OECD's assessment initiative a challenge to existing rankings based on reputation

OECD is set to undertake an assessment of teaching effectiveness that may provide an alternative to the current university rankings that are substantially based on past institutional accomplishments and reputation. The Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes is likely to be blocked or demeaned by those institutions and officials with the highest rankings at present. One of the issues sure to be raised is that higher education is more than just student learning with research and service to community (among other things) being other important outcomes. While it is important to recognize a variety of outcomes, devising a measure that places student learning and development in a prominent place related to institutional prestige is something that would likely benefit everyone.