This paper explores a countermovement that is emerging within an educational climate that highlights accountability, standardisation and performativity. This countermovement has become manifest in a rapid rise in the implementation and research of contemplative practices (e.g. mindfulness, yoga) across educational settings. The paper explores the…

The passage of the "Every Student Succeeds" Act (ESSA) provides states the opportunity to craft new goals and strategies for science education. By setting clear goals for science achievement, states can leverage existing policies, including assessments and graduation requirements, to help drive toward set goals. This brief provides a…

Charter schools have moved from being widely viewed as a marginal force in public education reform to taking on a central role in our national, state, and local debates around improving education. And a growing number of policymakers--including superintendents, mayors, governors, and even U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan--are using…

All students, including students with disabilities, must be included in state accountability systems as required by law. In April 2007, federal regulations provided states the flexibility to offer another assessment option--an Alternate Assessment based on Modified Achievement Standards (AA-MAS) for some students with disabilities. The AA-MAS is…

This document presents a discussion aimed at relating organizational aims and operational objectives to the total educational picture in Michigan. The document views the educational needs of children and youth as a continuum beginning at about age 3 and ending (for elementary and secondary purposes) at about age 18. The premise of the continuum is…

Describes the development of a 6-step accountability model created to identify Statewide educational goals and to provide some means of measuring performance in relation to those goals. (Author/DN)

Among nearly 40 States attempting to apply the accountability principle to school operation by legislative fiat, Michigan is clearly a leader. This exhaustive study reveals disturbing defects in Michigan's plan, particularly in the assessment component. (Editor)

This booklet is intended to aid classroom teachers in implementing the accountability model developed by the Michigan Department of Education. The authors discuss and provide examples of each of the accountability model's six steps--1) identification of goals, 2) performance objectives, 3) assessment of needs, 4) analysis of delivery systems, 5)…

Accountability currently is an important concept throughout education. Michigan has assumed leadership among the States in exploring and applying accountability procedures. The purpose of this report is to examine the quality and implications of that leadership. Specifically, the authors' purpose is to assess the Michigan Accountability System…

Describes the Birmingham (Michigan) Public Schools Program Evaluation Plan. Included is an overview of the plan, the reason why the plan was developed, the cost of the plan, and a step-by-step description of procedures. (Author)

Describes a 6-step accountability model to guide activities aimed at achieving the common goals and performance objectives adopted by the State Board of Education and Educators. Steps include needs assessment, analysis of educational services, testing and evaluation, and recommendations. (Author/DN)

The author outlines the history of American innovations in education, the new critical attitude of students and public toward the present educational system, and the changes taking place in Michigan public education. (MB)

The Michigan accountability system, based on statewide objectives-referenced testing at two grade levels generated considerable controversy, including this response to criticisms of an evaluation of the program by a panel of three persons. The contract under which the evaluation was performed is quoted to show that the authors of the report were…

For five years running, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has tracked states' teacher policies, preparing a detailed and thorough compendium of teacher policy in the United States on topics related to teacher preparation, licensure, evaluation, career advancement, tenure, compensation, pensions and dismissal. The "2011 State…

In an effort to reward excellence and discourage mediocrity, an accountability-based salary system has been implemented for all administrators in the Kalamazoo school system. Administrator salaries are adjusted for performance and/or reclassification reasons. Judgments of performance are based on the extent to which an administrator achieves…