Acceptable Approaches to Educational Accountability

Purpose and Objectives of an Accountability System

Due to legislation that affects America's schools and a demand for quality instruction and student achievement, demands are placed on accountability. Therefore, policymakers and educational leaders make a continuous effort to devise acceptable approaches to educational accountability (Lingenfelter, 2003). The definitive objective of an accountability system is frequently submits to defining performance standards and identifying rewards and penalties for performance. The real intention is to enhance student performance. The objective of an accountability system is to encourage effective methods and a greater undertaking and control in implementation. Educational accountability systems should be considered in terms of their integrity for improving performance and not by rewards and penalties (Lingenfelter, 2003).

A uniform accountability system is not probable to fit every state; each should develop an accountability system modified to reflect the needs of the educational institution. However, valuable accountability systems are apt to have common essential elements in place. Accountability systems are optimal when focused on essential objectives, can recognize issues in practice, examine results publicly, accentuate positive incentives, involve individuals with critical roles, and involve all individuals answerable for results (Lingenfelter, 2003). Furthermore, accountability systems should include a few clear, important, measurable goals, build ability, and empower results (Lingenfelter, 2003). At the school level, an accountability system should concentrate on suitable and essential goals that are not significantly addressed at the state level; however, at every level, focus and successful action are essential so goals should not be complex. Measurable goals are essential, but not all goals can be quantified. Accountability systems should include qualitative indicators of performance (Lingenfelter, 2003).