A School Accountability Model.

This paper describes the development and validation of a school-accountability model. The model is based on the assumption that schools represent dynamic systems in which a change in one element will affect all other elements. The model's primary elements are educational input, processes, and outcomes. The paper examines various accountability models and concludes that although these models vary in complexity and purpose, their one common element is a reporting system. The model described in this report was created to correct the defects in other models. The first step in its development was to identify the educational inputs, processes, and outcomes of the school. The model provides for the external judgment of a school and its programs based on known standards; supplies information to school personnel and parents for diagnostic/remedial efforts focused on improvement; offers an opportunity for the school to communicate its goals and achievement to parents and the public; is culturally fair; and is systemic in nature. Future models will be customized for each school, and a School Accountability Profile will provide a basis for judging past accomplishments and for planning future improvements. The model is currently being pilot tested in two of the three largest school districts in Alabama. (RJM) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** A SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY MODEL James E. McLean, Scott W. Snyder, and Frank R. Lawrence* University of Alabama at Birmingham U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) ciet"his document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Educational Research Association New Orleans, Louisiana November 4-6, 1998 * The authors wish to thank Mr. Charles A. Collat and the Mayer Electric Supply Foundation for their generous support of this research. We would also like to thank Dr. Robert E. Lockwood of the Alabama State Department of Education who not only participated in the conceptualization of this model, but also contributed much of the literature review. BEST COPY AVAiLA-6LE