Education Accountability: An Analytic Overview

Education Accountability is a critique of writing on accountability and evaluation in education, applying knowledge, social psychology, and social policy frameworks to demonstrate how different assumptions about schooling can lead to political control. It is valuable reading for advanced students of education, political science, social policy, teacher trainers, administrators, and educational researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Education Accountability, originally published in 1986, is a comprehensive critique of writing on accountability and evaluation in education, encompassing its diverse stakeholders. The author employs frameworks derived from the fields of knowledge theory, social psychology, and social policy, showcasing how different assumptions about the nature of schooling, curriculum control, and development can lead to various forms of political control. Among these, education accountability stands out as a unique and significant case. This insightful book is a valuable resource for advanced students of education, particularly those interested in curriculum development and educational administration. It also appeals to students of political science, social policy, and evaluation studies, teacher trainers, administrators, and educational researchers.

The author begins by examining the historical roots of education accountability, tracing its origins back to the era of industrialization and the emergence of public education. They argue that the increasing demand for standardized testing and the proliferation of educational policies aimed at improving student performance have created a culture of accountability that pervades all aspects of education. This culture, they suggest, has led to the erosion of teacher autonomy and the prioritization of short-term outcomes over long-term educational goals.

The book then delves into the theoretical foundations of education accountability, exploring the concept of knowledge and its role in shaping educational practices. The author argues that different assumptions about the nature of knowledge can lead to different forms of political control over education. For example, some scholars argue that knowledge is best acquired through direct experience and that teachers should be allowed to develop their own curriculum and teaching methods. In contrast, others argue that knowledge is best transmitted through standardized tests and that teachers should be held accountable for student performance.

The author further explores the relationship between education accountability and social psychology, arguing that the social construction of accountability can have significant implications for educational practices. They suggest that the emphasis on standardized testing and performance metrics can create a culture of fear and anxiety among teachers, leading to a decline in teacher morale and a reduction in the quality of education.

To address these issues, the author proposes a range of strategies for promoting education accountability that are grounded in a more nuanced understanding of the nature of education and the role of teachers. They advocate for a shift towards more collaborative and democratic approaches to curriculum development and evaluation, which prioritize the input and expertise of teachers and other stakeholders. They also suggest that education accountability should be focused on promoting student learning and development rather than simply measuring student performance.

Education Accountability is a thought-provoking and timely book that offers a critical analysis of the current state of education accountability and evaluation. It provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex relationships between education, politics, and social psychology and offers practical solutions for promoting more effective and equitable educational practices. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, or researcher, this book will be an invaluable resource for your work.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032303345