Policy Brief: Standards-Based Accountability Systems

Product Description	This Policy Brief provides guidance for developing effective accountability systems. In light of increasing pressures on educators to strengthen, revise, or implement accountability systems, this Policy Brief attempts to summarize research results and provide guidance regarding decisions associated with school accountability. Among other topics, this Brief addresses the elements of a standards-based accountability system, testing issues, and methods for rating school performance. It also highlights the importance of providing assistance to struggling schools before sanctions are required.
Authors	Jan Stapleman
Target Audience	Policymakers and administrators
Ways to Use this Product	As a focus for conversations and decision making related to creating an accountability system
Key Ideas	The author concludes that creating consequences such as rewards and sanctions can put teeth into accountability systems, but there is a lack of evidence or agreement among experts about their effectiveness and how they should be used.
How to Get this Product	View/Download the PDF View a complete list of Policy Briefs
APA Citation	Stapleman, J. (2000, April). Standards-based accountability systems [policy brief]. Aurora, CO: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning.