Holding Schools Accountable

Sloan explores the varied contours of the educational accountability movement that has swept the United States. He describes the historical origins and underlying assumptions of present day accountability measures, current issues surrounding accountability, relationships between the accountability and the standards movements, and the role of standardized testing in each of these movements, and provides a critical reading of the seemingly divided literature concerning the effects of accountability on public education.This volume also focuses on the implications of accountability measures on parents, families, and communities, including details of the varied efforts by grassroots organizations that have raised concerns over current accountability measures. While there has been a substantial amount of parent and community opposition to both state and national accountability policies, increasingly these organizations are offering suggestions for ways to make accountability measures better and more responsive to both community and student needs. The work concludes by offering valuable suggestions about improving, even strengthening accountability measures in ways that are more responsive and respectful of students, their families, and local communities.

"In accessible language, Sloan defines the basic beliefs behind present-day accountability measures and some of the issues associated with those practices. He explores the relationship between accountability and the standards movements, and the role of standardized testing in each of these movements, and offers an analysis of the literature regarding the effects of this hot-button issue on public education. Timely and informative." - Curriculum Connections, "In nine chapters, Sloan explains and examines the accountability mandate found in the No Child Left Behind act, as well as its implications for students, families and communities, and teachers. Case studies at a handful of schools trace the events, beginning in the 1960s, that contributed to the 21st century's emphasis on accountability, and portray the legislation's impact on real teachers. Controversies and criticisms generated by the Act are also discussed. In the conclusion, three guest authors in education and curriculum studies offer suggestions about improving accountability measures in ways that are more responsive to those they most directly affect." - Reference & Research Book News

Kris Sloan is Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Saint Edwards's University in Austin, Texas.