ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the accountability practices of civil society organizations (CSOs), in particular the efforts to account to parents and teachers, using the case of Mexicanos Primero, an organization that advocates for education reform in Mexico. It starts by defining the term accountability in general with special attention to education CSOs, and the roles of membership in shaping main accountability approaches. The chapter discusses the central elements and dimensions of accountability, presenting key themes that shed light on this case study: internal and external dimensions of the concept, organizational views of stakeholders, and how civil society organizations balance conflicting demands and needs. It discusses the authors' research findings on Mexicanos Primero, the education organization we have been studying in depth. The chapter provides an overview of the assessment of its activities and examines its accountability philosophy. It also discusses the accountability mechanisms that demonstrate that the organization prioritizes donors and internal stakeholders' involvement.
