Citizen-led assessments were developed in the mid-2000s to gather evidence on children's learning outcomes following the rapid increase in primary student enrolment in the developing world. Integral to their philosophy is social accountability and community engagement. While most large-scale assessments focus on test-based accountability to…

The emphasis in this annotated bibliography is citizen participation in education in the areas of decision making, policy development, and school governance. The focus is on the public school and school system rather than on private and parochial schools. One hundred fifty books, parts of books, and published reports are annotated, together with…

Parents, professional educators, boards of education, legislators, and the general public are justifiably questioning the monies spent on education, school efficiency, what schools are actually accomplishing, and who controls the results of schooling. However, accountability, as envisioned by its major supporters, will address none of these…

In a companion article, Robert F. Bundy criticized accountability as being a contrived smokescreen to confuse the public and district attention from the real issues facing American schools. He called for a deschooling and deprofessionalization of American education. Critiques his views. (Author/JF)

The Minneapolis Accountability Project was an effort of the Minneapolis Public Schools to provide greater accountability to the public by helping citizens evaluate school programs. Citizens' study groups were provided with staff to help them in a year-long study of a topic selected by a citizen's advisory board. Study committees met weekly…

This paper evaluates a new form of public participation in environmental monitoring and regulation advanced through local "bucket brigades," which allow community members to sample air emissions near industrial facilities. These brigades represent a new form of community environmental policing, in which residents participate in collecting,…

Addresses the need for a better public understanding of science and calls on the scientific community particularly the behavioral science sector, to take an active role in meeting the need. (Author/AM)

Explores the premise that the key to school reform is political/procedural change rather than substantive improvement. Argues that recent interest in accountability arose from disappointing 1950s, 1960s reform efforts, and examines reforms based on reducing professional's power and increasing family/community participation. Scrutinizes social and…

Explains zero base budgeting and describes its use at Chemeketa Community College (Oregon). Suggests that better management, improved communication, and more economical procedures can result if all staff members and representatives from the community are included in the budgetary process. Provides a sample calendar. (JG)

It seems clear, in philosophical terms, that citizens have a basic right to participate in and to govern public institutions such as the schools. During those times when schools are perceived by the community as fulfilling their charge, professionals and elected representatives such as school boards are allowed to regulate the schools. When…

This chapter provides insights into the solution of financial and governance problems that face big city education. The report identifies recent developments affecting big city education such as metropolitanism, regionalism, full State financing, revenue sharing, and reform of property taxation. The authors discuss (1) recent court cases affecting…

The Minneapolis Accountability Project represents an effort to allow the community to evaluate existing school programs which are locally funded. The project informs the community about school problems, establishes a channel for expression of community concerns, and provides findings and proposals for educational change. This report describes the…

Colorado's accountability program requires each school district to establish a citizens committee to inform the local board of community feelings regarding the district's educational program. This document reports the number of districts successfully completing the various steps in the accountability process during the 1979-80 school year.…

In this monograph, the authors attempt to illustrate some of the more important components of decentralization and participative management with examples, or working models. Many of these models, according to the authors, function to illustrate the concept, provide models for adaptation, and inform the readers about districts that can be contacted…

This newsletter includes six articles that examine key issues facing public schools and communities related to accountability, bilingual education, immigrant education, school finance, and school choice. In addressing these issues, articles focus on the importance of community involvement and input in local school reform efforts aimed at achieving…