A new essay by Passport State Coordinator Jane Sherman presents a compelling case for general education in American colleges and universities. The courses and credits that make up general education are different across the country, however, the goals that institutions are trying to attain through general education and the learning outcomes they want their students to achieve turn out to be very similar at many colleges and universities. The Interstate Passport is built around the general education core because that is the common element of degree programs. By focusing on the general education goals and learning outcomes that colleges and universities have in common, the Interstate Passport supports both the unique character of each institution and the importance of general education for students’ success in college, in work, and in life.
Comments about this essay are welcome. Please direct comments or questions to interstatepassport@wiche.edu.