ABSTRACT
The final chapter begins with an overview of strengths and weaknesses in each accountability type, followed by a proposal for an accountability system with both internal and external dimensions. The internal dimension builds from professional accountability, while the external dimension includes elements from political, market, and administrative accountabilities. This proposal includes a formative, continuous improvement approach at the local level and a more summative perspective for formal policymakers and others outside schools. We then return to federalism to summarize the role each level plays in shaping educational accountability, and also to consider possible future paths in accountability as the public nature of education faces major challenges from partisan polarization and private pressures from a growing market orientation. These challenges test the role of public education as a key institution in American society that promotes a common civic culture.
