Accountability

The goal of this brief is to describe a logical framework and practical recommendations for states as they wrestle with the continuing demands on their accountability outcomes despite substantial changes to their educational systems.

Much has been written about requirements in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) related to school classification, particularly with respect to approaches for determining if a school should be identified for support.

Building capacity and promoting improvements in education accountability and reporting has never been more important given the recent transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act. States are rising to the challenge by developing and implementing innovative new systems.

States’ federally-approved plans for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) illustrate an emerging focus on social and emotional learning and development, strengthened conditions for student learning, and whole child supports in education systems.

Education practitioners, researchers, and policymakers are increasingly focusing on social and emotional development and positive school climates as essential factors to establish equitable learning environments in which all young people can thrive.

This resource highlights practices and questions to help state education agencies increase use of state and school report cards for decision-making and continuous school improvement.

Continuously evaluating school performance and holding schools accountable for success is crucial to ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education that meets their needs.
 

The States Leading campaign launched in February to spotlight innovative state policies and ideas that are improving education for all students.

Accountability and school improvement systems are key drivers of educational equity. These two systems are interconnected and designed to help close achievement gaps by identifying targeted support to struggling schools and student groups.

This guide gives special attention to engaging parents and families, the primary users of school-level report cards, but many of the engagement strategies included in this document are broadly applicable to all stakeholders.