Accountability

This page contains materials and links that analyze and critique standardized test-driven models of accountability, such as the "No Child Left Behind"Act; and that propose, discuss and evaluate different approaches to accountability.

Because accountability depends greatly on the proper use of high-quality assessment, you should also visit The Case against High-Stakes Testing and The Case for Authentic Assessment.

Analysis and Critiques of Standardized Test-Driven Models of Accountability

• Much of what is wrong with test-based accountability is explored in articles found under The Case Against High-Stakes Testing

• Foreword by FairTest's Monty Neill to Ken Jones (ed) new book, Democratic School Accountability
• High Stakes vs. Democracy by Ken Jones, Examiner, Fall 2000

Alternative Approaches to Accountability

• 2017: Assessment Matters: Constructing Model State Systems to Replace Testing Overkill
   

• “A Better Way to Evaluate Schools” (PDF Fact Sheet) outlines a 3-part school evaluation system – school quality reviews, limited standardized testing, plus school-based and local evidence.

• A Better Way to Assess Students and Evaluate Schools By Monty Neill, Published in Education Week Online: June 18, 2010

• Comprehensive School Quality Reviews: FairTest has
  collaborated with Coalition for Effective Schools on a Working Paper
  (PDF) and a Summary (PDF) of a Review system.

• Statewide Authentic Accountability System developed by the Massachusetts Coalition for Authentic Reform in Education(CARE) (and supported by the Massachusetts Teachers Association).

• 2009 MA legislation to overhaul state testing program, based on CARE plan, is here.
• FairTest's DRAFT Principles for Authentic Accountability
• More than 140 national education and civil rights groups issue a joint statement sent to Congress calling for major changes in No Child Left Behind Law; FairTest convened this alliance.
• The Expert Panel on Assessment recommends overhaul of NCLB testing and accountability provisions. See the full report: Assessment and Accountability for Improving Schools and Learning: Principles and Recommendations for Federal Law and State and Local Systems, by the Expert Panel on Assessment, convened by the Forum on Educational Accountability.
  See the Executive Summary
  See the Press Release
• FairTest fact sheet: "The Proper Use of End-of-Course Exams in Determining High School Graduation."
• A Balanced School Accountability Model: An Alternative to High-Stakes Testing, by Ken Jones, in Phi Delta Kappan - short version of longer piece by Jones listed below.
• A Learner-Centered School Accountability Model:
  An Alternative to High Stakes Testing. By Ken Jones, 2003.
• Massachusetts Alliance for the Education of the Whole Child proposes major changes in testing and accountability provisions in this report.
• New ERA Plan proposed by reform groups in Chicago, Illinois.
• Some Criteria for Intelligent Accountability Applied to Accountability in New Zealand. by Terry Crooks
• Learning Record Shows Promise For Accountability Uses by Sally Thomas, September 1997.
• Important school and student attributes that should be assessed but are not by standardized tests - by Ron Berger, educator from Massachusetts.

Also go to the Examiner Archive page and search under the topic "accountability".