Weeks ago, when the federal Commission on Higher Education — miffed by what it saw as a lack of accountability in American universities — suggested the idea of federally mandated standardized tests for colleges, educators balked. The prospect of such tests has made many college supporters nervous.

“Federal standardized tests risk undermining the institutions that concerned citizens wish to improve,” said David Edelson, assistant director of public affairs for the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, which represents more than 200 colleges including UCSD. “The challenge before public higher education is whether we can develop a more transparent system that addresses various concerns.”

Earlier this month, NASULGC presented initial plans for establishing transparency among colleges, including the use of other data already distributed to some universities.

The organization said, in its proposal presented to the commission, that the National Survey of Student Engagement is one such study that produces results that allow officials to pinpoint and improve problems.

“These surveys often provide information that universities can use to make specific, beneficial changes to the environment that will improve learning,” Edelson said. “Standardized tests measure the application of cognitive abilities. Even the best designed test would still be one single, limited measure applied to a wide range of institutions.”

Currently, a Committee on Student Learning and Accountability, created by NASULGC and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, is defining specific tasks and goals using NASULGC’s initial draft, as Edelson said.

The group hopes to meet the commission’s demand for concrete action to improve and accurately measure the success of college education. As NASULGC presented its plan, however, the commission optimistically applauded it. Panel Chairman Charles Miller, who had previously criticized college officials for not vigorously pursuing accountability, commended NASULGC President Peter McPherson for spearheading the effort. Miller himself did not comment on the plan.