The only way to compete successfully will be for them to measure and report the actual learning gains of their students.

FORBES: Technology's Continuing Struggle to Disrupt Higher Ed

Once new institutions figure out how to measure and articulate the true value proposition of student learning to the public, they will be able to compete directly with the traditional Ivory Towers.

FORBES: Technology's Continuing Struggle to Disrupt Higher Ed

This is already beginning to happen in parts of both India and China, where farmers are learning how to measure the water they pump, how to use it to greatest effect and thus how to sustain aquifer levels.

ECONOMIST: Water

And part of making sure our young people meet these high standards is designing tests that accurately measure whether they are learning.

WHITEHOUSE: The Importance of Education Reform