Dive Brief:

• Senate hearings on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act began with examining whether states, the federal government and accreditors are capable overseers. 
• Four witnesses described some of the problems with the current system and suggested how it could be improved.
• The committee will also be discussing President Barack Obama's proposed college ratings system.

Dive Insight:

Part of the discussion in the first hearing was whether to reform the current law or start from scratch. Meanwhile, Department of Education officials have had their first meeting with student leaders and advocates to discuss Obama's ratings system. They are planning more forums across the country.