A process for evaluating the effectiveness of educational organizations, with a focus on accountability, is described. An evaluation of 15 pilot-test school districts in the Arizona Career Ladder Project reveals the existence of a major discrepancy between meeting program requirements and achieving program success. A theoretical model of organizational focus and support factors is presented. Eight steps illustrate the cyclical nature of the assessment process, which emphasizes assessment of organizational readiness and operational capabilities. Appendices contain sample profiles of focus and support factors; two figures in the text illustrate the process model. (3 references) (LMI)