Leaders and educators in a select number of states have begun to recognize that the traditional educational system -- in which students move ahead, year after year, as long as they attain minimal proficiency on basic academic standards -- can perpetuate learning gaps for students that grow over time. There is increasing understanding of how the…

It is possible for a district to develop a system of accountability that defines appropriate roles for lay citizens, pupils, teachers, administrators, and the board of education. It is not necessary for accountability to be imposed from the State level through mandates requiring Statewide assessments, competency-based teacher certification plans,…