WASHINGTON, DC– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 3136, the bipartisan Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2014, which encourages innovation and flexibility in higher education.

“As the first in my family to have graduated from college, I am especially proud of thebipartisan action the House took today to make higher education more affordable and accessible for people in Eastern Washington and across this country. For too long, obtaining higher education has meant financial hardship for students and familiesbecause traditional postsecondary education and federal aid programs have not kept up with advances in technology. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the needs of today’s students, making it possible for them to succeed and gain the fundamental skills they need to grow in the 21^st century workforce. From WSU to Gonzaga, these efforts will to bring new opportunities to students on college campuses across Eastern Washington, and will make it possible for more students to gain personalized, cost-effective education.”   

The bipartisan Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2014 directs the Secretary of Education to implement competency-based education demonstration projects that will support innovation and take advantage of technology in delivering a quality education rather than relying on traditional “credit hours” to measure progress. It provides accountability by requiring an annual evaluation to determine the quality, progress, and financial assistance opportunities related to each demonstration project. 

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