Conclusion: Linking High-Stakes Accountability and Capacity

High-stakes accountability policies present both opportunities and challenges to America’s education system. In principle, accountability policies make good sense. The fundamental premise of monitoring school performance outcomes to ensure that all students receive an adequate education is difficult to dispute. Likewise, the notion that schools should be held accountable—through rewards and sanctions—for their performance reflects basic principles of markets that use incentives to promote innovation and productivity. Accountability policies in education have the potential to promote both equity and efficiency goals. These issues are particularly salient given the persistent achievement gap that characterizes American education. The promise of high-stakes accountability policies is the identification and improvement of chronically low-performing schools.