Opinion Essay 4: State Accountability Systems

• In Event: The Future of Measurement and Accountability: A Research-Driven Vision

Abstract

State accountability systems should build structures to support educators and create opportunities for a diverse range of stakeholders to participate in evaluating and improving educational quality. These systems should focus on informing the public about a wide range of educational outcomes and address the multiple purposes of public education. They should also acknowledge the importance of local context and community involvement in school improvement. In contrast, these systems should not be punitive or rely on high stakes testing, since research suggests that the current often-punitive approach undermines the goals of education (Rothstein & Jacobsen, 2006; National Research Council, 2009; Lee & Lee, 2020). This op-ed offers five policy recommendations to reimagine the role of state accountability systems:
Policy Recommendation 1: State systems should be local and community-based.
Policy Recommendation 2: State systems should focus on reciprocal accountability and investments in student health, well-being and socio-emotional learning.
Policy Recommendation 3: Equity-oriented, evidence-based research should be used by state policymakers and local communities to inform and improve accountability policy.
Policy Recommendation 4: Congress and states should work to eliminate the high stakes from state assessment systems.
Policy Recommendation 5: Accountability should recognize, celebrate, respond, and motivate, rather than assign blame to educators and staff.

Authors

• Jaekyung Lee, University at Buffalo - SUNY
  Presenting Author

• Andrew Saultz, Pacific University Oregon
  Non-Presenting Author

• Julian Vasquez Heilig, Western Michigan University
  Non-Presenting Author