While school communities represent the focus for accountability tools, it is important to remember that the larger systems of which schools are a part, including the district and the state, also have legitimate needs which tools can address, such as monitoring equity of resources across a district. Assessment is the measurement of progress towards goals, typically applied to student achievement and performance goals. Progress may be measured with traditional instruments, such as, standardized tests, or with more performance-based instruments, such as, portfolios, or exhibitions. A teacher's practice or a school's performance may also be assessed. Constructs or strengthens a school's internal foundations for effective teaching and learning.
Good tools engage teachers in ongoing professional learning.
May be an educator from another school or district or someone from higher education, from a business, or from a community organization. Grounds decisions in factual and accurate data, not assumptions and perceptions. Frequently, school improvement actions are carried out in the absence of reliable information. For example, a school which has on average high standardized test scores may not see the many students from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds who are underachieving. By gathering appropriate data and conducting discussions around the information, schools can make decisions that support all students' learning.