In this report, we examined five kinds of equity-focused metrics in state OBF policies to determine the extent to which states prioritize the enrollment and success of students of color and students from low-income backgrounds:
- Enrollment metrics for students of color
- Success metrics for students of color
- Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
- Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
- Metrics related to campus racial climate
While the inclusion of these metrics in policies is essential, how they are deployed is equally as important. Therefore, we also considered whether the metrics were mandatory, optional, or weighted. Weighted metrics are the most ideal. These are mandatory and are given additional value, so strong institutional performance on a weighted metric would garner greater advantage or funding.
Two- and Four-Year Institutions
Kentucky adopted outcomes-based funding in 2017. It is allocated as base funding annually.
Kentucky’s new performance funding model focuses the state’s community colleges and universities on raising Kentucky’s educational attainment level from 45% to 60% by 2030, as outlined in the state’s strategic plan for postsecondary education.
The models for the public universities and Kentucky Community and Technical College System will be phased in over three years, beginning in the fiscal year 2018-2019. The model distributes funding based on three basic components:
- Student Success (35% of allocable resources distributed based on relative success in achieving student progression milestones and degree and credential production).
- Course Completion (35% of allocable resources distributed based on share of earned student credit hours).
- Operational Support (30% of allocable resources distributed in support of vital campus operations, services, and infrastructure related to student learning and success).
The metrics include:
- Certificate, diploma, and associate degree production
- Numbers of students progressing beyond 15, 30, and 45 credit hour thresholds
- STEM+H, targeted industry, and high-wage, high-demand credentials
- Credentials earned by students from low-income backgrounds and underprepared and underrepresented minority students
- Transfers to four-year institutions
The policy does not include a campus climate metric.
The policy is overseen by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. To learn more, visit http://cpe.ky.gov/ourwork/performancefunding.html.
Two-Year Institutions |
|
| Enrollment of Students of Color | None |
| Success of Students of Color | Mandatory |
| Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | None |
| Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | Mandatory |
| Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
Four-Year Institutions |
|
| Enrollment of Students of Color | None |
| Success of Students of Color | Mandatory |
| Enrollment of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | None |
| Success of Students From Low-Income Backgrounds | Mandatory |
| Measure Related to Campus Climate | None |
