This research examines the duality of accountability as perceived by twelve principals of elementary schools in the Bedouin education system in Israel who are implementing a self-management policy requiring a mechanism of accountability in their schools. This study also explores the impact of accountability on the effectiveness of the functioning…

Test-based accountability (TBA) draws on a managerialist ideology that emphasises standards, constant measurement, and external motivation for improvement. It stands in sharp contrast to the idea of professional learning communities (PLCs) that aim to mobilise teachers' internal motivation and willingness to cooperate with peers to facilitate a…

Previous studies have paid little attention to teachers` self or collegial considerations when making decisions about their students, precisely their tendency to avoid being blamed for students` failure. When a teacher is blamed for a student's difficulties, her/his public image ('face') is threatened, and s/he and her/his colleagues can be…