TICUA Policy Update

February 11, 2005

TSAA Could Lose More Funding

With the announcement of President George W. Bush's budget came yet another threat on the State's need-based aid program.  Once again the administration is threatening to no longer fund the LEAP program which provides matching funds for state need-based aid programs.  This could mean that the Tennessee Student Assistance Award could lose $1.5 million.  This could mean a 3% reduction in the already flat-funded program targeted for low income Tennesseans.

Perkins Funds to Revert Back

Another component of President Bush’s budget is to eliminate the Perkins Loan Program.  Whereas, it is no surprise that the administration wants to zero-out the program, it is a shock that he is calling for the historic federal match to be reverted to the Federal Government.  This means that colleges and universities will need to begin sending the federal share of loans repaid back to Uncle Sam.  The Department of Education estimates a total of $6.3 billion will leave the campuses and head back to Washington to fund other programs.

It is important that TICUA member campuses clearly understand the impact this will have on our campuses.  We should immediately ask our Chief Financial Assistance Officers to assess the impact on a campus by campus basis.

Take advantage of the upcoming President’s Day recess to communicate your concerns to members of Congress as they return to Tennessee.  More information about this and other implications of the President’s budget will be discussed during the 49^th TICUA Annual Meeting this next Tuesday and Wednesday, February 15 and 16, 2005.

State Comptroller Releases Report on Teaching Math

The Office of Research and Education Accountability of the State Comptroller’s Office released a report entitled Teaching Kids Math:  Is Tennessee Doing Enough?  The report indicates that Tennessee needs to do more to prepare students mathematically for the college and the workplace.

During the Senate and House Education hearings legislators expressed frustration with college and university teacher education programs.  They felt as if teachers were not being trained well in teaching math skills.  The report called for possible professional development activities for teachers to assist them in math pedagogy.  This frustrated some lawmakers who called it remedial education for teachers.

A copy of the report can be found at http://www.comptroller.state.tn.us/k12rpt.htm

TICUA Annual Meeting

Don’t forget to attend the 49^th TICUA Annual Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 15 and 16, 2005!  This year’s theme is “Changing Lives:  Providing Opportunity in Tennessee Higher Education.”  To register contact TICUA Vice President Susanna Baxter at 615- 242-6400, ext. 203.