Projects & Clients:
The Vermont Department of Education faced unique challenges in developing and implementing an accountability system for a state that includes many schools with small student populations and a history of strong local control. In addition to designing a system to incorporate state tests and other assessment data, Vermont wanted a system that would incorporate locally determined data into a valid and reliable measure of school achievement and adequate school progress. Vermont turned to the Center for Assessment because of its expertise and experience in developing accountability systems tailored to unique circumstances.
The Center worked with the Department of Education and a state advisory committee to develop the accountability plan. In addition to helping develop the plan, the Center followed the plan through all phases of its life-cycle. The Center helped present the plan to the Vermont Board of Education and answered questions. The Center consulted on the draft of the state's rules governing the system. It also produced publications to explain the system, which were distributed as part of the Department's "public comment" program to both education professionals and the general public.
The Center's work for Vermont resulted in the following materials:
- An Overview of the Proposed Vermont School Accountability System
- Proposed Administrative Rules for a School Accountability System
- The Vermont School Accountability System Operations Manual (in development)
Contact:
Gail Taylor, Program Manager (accountability)
Vermont Department of Education, Montpelier, VT | 
