Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going? The Evolution of American Higher Education

American Higher Education has been engaged in a journey from a knowledge-centered focus towards a performance-based emphasis. What does it mean to prepare students to learn as opposed to disseminating the knowledge base? The federal government, accrediting bodies and educational organizations are demanding that higher education critically examine the purpose of a higher education. What does it mean to prepare students to enter into the work force and the citizenry? Comprehending this journey into this realm of measurable outcomes and accountability is critical for understanding the implications for program development and the advancement of higher education.