Next-Generation Accountability Systems: Overview of Current Policies and Practices

This study provides an overview of the landscape of next-generation accountability concepts implemented by states. In reviewing the work of the states and drawing upon the thinking in both CCSSO’s 2011 proposal and “Accountability for College and Career Readiness: Developing a New Paradigm” by Linda Darling-Hammond, Gene Wilhoit, and Linda Pittenger, the authors found that current reforms fell into five broad categories, which are described in detail in each section of this report:

• Measuring progress toward college and career readiness

• Diagnosing and responding to challenges via school-based quality improvement

• State systems of support and intervention 

• Resource accountability 

• Professional accountability