This booklet is one of a series of reports addressing the most critical issues confronting state boards of education throughout the United States. Each report attempts to present a concise, informative review and analysis of the best and most current information available on one of these critical topics. This booklet focuses on issues related to the use of educational accountability and assessment models at the state level. Section 1 contains a brief overview and summary of the booklet; section 2 presents a review and analysis of educational accountability and assessment by Arthur R. Olson; section 3 presents a number of action alternatives recommended by the staff of the National Association of State Boards of Education; and section 4 contains footnotes and a brief annotated bibliography prepared by the author of section 2. (Author/JG)