Threats to the Validity of Accountability Systems, Part 1:
In this three-part series, we explore key aspects of school accountability design that need to be properly balanced. In Part 1, we examine simplicity vs. complexity.
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You Can Get the Accountability System You Want (Part 1)
States can have the school accountability systems they value by minimizing the footprint of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
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Improving Accountability Through Authentic Community Engagement
Systems work best when they’re shaped by authentic input from the people they serve, but states and districts make key mistakes in gathering feedback.
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Does School Accountability Have to Be So Complicated?
We can build simpler systems. The trick is striking the right balance between complexity and simplicity.
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School Accountability Is Broken
It’s time to create school accountability systems that recognize the unique roles and responsibilities of states, districts and schools.
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How to Improve School Accountability Now
We don’t refute calls for more sweeping reform, but we must take swift action to make school accountability work better right now.
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Promoting Equity Through Accountability System Design
States can use accountability system design as a lever for equity in student outcomes and opportunities, but 5 common barriers get in the way.
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4 Key Questions States Should Ask About College- and Career-Readiness
States must reconsider their content standards, assessments, and testing practices to keep up with two important trends in college- and career-readiness.
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What Happens to Performance Assessment If We Use It for Accountability?
Those who promote using performance assessment for accountability may want to stop and consider exactly what they want to argue for.
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Ready or Not: AI Is Changing Assessment and Accountability
Advances in artificial intelligence are transforming assessment and accountability. We explore the risks and opportunities of AI in 10 areas of K-12 work.
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It’s Time for an Innovative Accountability Pilot
Federal regulations limit states’ innovations in assessment. More substantial innovation can happen only with more flexibility in accountability.
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Through-Year Assessment: A Radical Renegotiation of the School Accountability Contract
Many states are considering replacing their year-end tests with through-year assessments. But this change would impact states’ implicit accountability contracts with schools.
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Reframing Accountability: Build Closer Connections Between School Identification and School Improvement
States can better support school improvement by building stronger connections between accountability design and school improvement.
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How We Talk About Results of Assessment and Accountability Systems
States can use reporting from annual assessment and accountability systems as flashlights, not hammers. But to do that, they need to start planning. Now.
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Guidance for Addressing N-Size in School Accountability and Reporting Systems
Decisions regarding the minimum n-size for accountability indicators can make a big difference in the design and implementation of school accountability systems.
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Student Growth Measures for Accountability: No, You Don’t Need a Vertical Scale
Student growth measures for accountability do not require a vertical scale and, in fact, may be hampered by one.
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Accountability Systems Must Offer More Than School Grades
School accountability systems encompass more than what is reflected in school grading systems, which can skew how school quality is seen.
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Reflecting on Lessons Learned in Assessment and Accountability in Education in 2022
Scott Marion reflects on what we have learned after another year of recovery after COVID’s interruptions to assessment and accountability in education.
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