The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories in the United States that establishes a framework for the authorization of postsecondary distance education. The agreement aims to simplify the process of obtaining authorization to operate in multiple states, reducing the regulatory burden on institutions and increasing access to high-quality distance education programs for students.
Background and History
The concept of SARA was first introduced in 2011 by the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS). The agreement was developed in response to the growing demand for distance education and the need for a more efficient and effective way to regulate institutions operating across state lines. After several years of planning and negotiation, the first SARA agreements were signed in 2014, and the agreement has since been adopted by 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Key Provisions and Benefits
SARA establishes a set of common standards and procedures for institutions to follow when seeking authorization to operate in multiple states. The agreement requires institutions to meet certain criteria, such as being accredited by a recognized accrediting agency and having a physical presence in a SARA member state. In exchange, institutions are granted authorization to operate in all SARA member states, without the need to obtain separate authorization from each state. The benefits of SARA include increased access to distance education programs, reduced regulatory burden, and improved quality assurance.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Member States | 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Eligible Institutions | Public and private non-profit institutions, and public and private for-profit institutions |
| Authorization Process | Institutional application, review, and approval by the state portal agency |
Implementation and Operation
The implementation and operation of SARA are overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a non-profit organization established to manage the agreement. NC-SARA is responsible for developing and maintaining the SARA policies and procedures, providing technical assistance to member states and institutions, and ensuring compliance with the agreement. The organization also collects and analyzes data on SARA institutions and programs, which is used to inform policy decisions and improve the overall quality of distance education.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the many benefits of SARA, there are still challenges to be addressed. One of the main challenges is ensuring that institutions comply with the agreement’s requirements and maintain high-quality programs. Another challenge is addressing the needs of specialized programs, such as nursing and teacher education, which may require additional authorization or accreditation. However, SARA also presents opportunities for innovation and growth, such as the development of new educational models and partnerships between institutions.
- Increased access to distance education programs for students
- Reduced regulatory burden for institutions
- Improved quality assurance and accountability
- Opportunities for innovation and growth in distance education
What is the purpose of SARA?
+The purpose of SARA is to simplify the process of obtaining authorization to operate in multiple states, reducing the regulatory burden on institutions and increasing access to high-quality distance education programs for students.
Which states are members of SARA?
+Currently, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA.
What are the benefits of SARA for institutions?
+The benefits of SARA for institutions include increased access to distance education programs, reduced regulatory burden, and improved quality assurance.
In conclusion, the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement has been a significant development in the regulation of distance education in the United States. By establishing a framework for the authorization of postsecondary distance education, SARA has increased access to high-quality programs for students and reduced the regulatory burden on institutions. As the distance education landscape continues to evolve, SARA will play an important role in promoting innovation, quality, and accountability in distance education.
