Two Worlds of Accountability

• In Event: Inside Accountability

Abstract

This paper analyzes how state performance accountability (PA) for K-12 and for higher education differ and the implications of this for efforts to create a unified P-20 state PA system. The paper draws on the general research literature on state K-12 and higher education PA and concretizes it by examining how the two kinds of PA differ in three key states: Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee. The paper shows that state K-12 and higher education PA differ considerably in performance indicators, policy levers (relative emphasis on capacity building and positive and negative incentives), and political dynamics (advocacy coalitions and policy windows). Given these considerable differences, the paper cautions that it may be very difficult to create unified P-20 state PA systems.

Authors

• Kevin J. Dougherty, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Vikash Reddy, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Rebecca S. Natow, Teachers College, Columbia University