Next generation accountability systems can empower states, districts, communities, and schools with timely, relevant information and provide the capacity to analyze and continuously improve instruction and learning. After 21 years of the current accountability framework in federal and state policy in the United States, there is growing recognition that it is not working for students, families, and communities to improve teaching and learning, nor preparing them for the future. This issue brief explores how policymakers can approach rethinking, redesigning, and rearchitecting next generation accountability systems.