Accountability in Action: A Blueprint for Learning Organizations, 2nd edition

Author: Reeves, D.B.
Publisher: Advanced Learning Press
Publication Date: 2000
Available for purchase online at: http://208.112.23.23/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CFPAE&Product_Code=AIA2&Category_Code=A%26D

Abstract (written by WestEd)

According to the author, educators should select essential content standards that endure across grade levels and promote life-long learning. The state, board of education, and district should support schools to develop a culture of accountability and innovation. Because schools frequently collect and use performance data to inform decisions about the school's instructional program, there exists a process of learning from past experiences and results and one of collaborating with colleagues. Professional development and accountability are intertwined when school staff meets frequently to review achievements, inquire about problems and better methods, and plan changes.

Chapter 19 is a collection of vignettes of 90/90/90 schools (over 90 percent poverty, over 90 percent minorities, and yet over 90 percent achieving at high proficiency levels). The chapter can be downloaded for free after completing a site registration form.

Common among these schools are:

• a focus on academic achievement;
  
• more time spent on reading, writing, and mathematics;
  
• frequent assessment of student progress with multiple opportunities for improvement;
  
• informative writing performance assessment;
  
• a goal of inter-rater agreement of student work at 80 percent or better; and
• non-proprietary instructional practices.
  

While all schools won't have high poverty and minority student populations like these 90/90/90 schools, they can all implement the common practices that lead to very high student achievement. These schools challenge others to make the same gains in student achievement.

This second edition includes a new introduction by the author and updated research on 90/90/90 schools.