Accountability in teaching and learning means assuring that each student develops as near as possible to his full potential the knowledge, skills, and interpersonal behaviors that the community and the school accept as goals. Many people both in and out of the teaching profession are aware of the complex conditions required if the profession is to be accountable. To secure such conditions, teachers must have the major voice in deciding those matters that relate directly to teaching. Even then there must be recognition that the outcomes of education are dependent on many factors, some not wholly controlled by educators. The definition of accountability includes many dimensions and will require refinement. Questions remain regarding performance criteria and performance contracting; criteria for evaluation of teaching ability or learning products; and questions of responsibility not only for basic reading and arithmetic skills but also for interpersonal behavioral skills, a broad range of subject matter content, and wholesome attitudes and values. Accountability needs to be considered in the broad context of accountability under what conditions, by whom, to whom, for what actions and outcomes, and to what degree and over what period of time. (JS)