School accountability used to be a big deal in the United States. Both Republicans and Democrats supported it, making sure that schools were responsible for student achievement. Back in 2004, Republicans were proud of the No Child Left Behind law, which focused on holding schools accountable for results based on student achievement.
But now, accountability seems to have disappeared from the political agenda. The Democrats’ platform barely mentions it, focusing instead on other issues like preschool, job training, and college tuition. The one paragraph dedicated to K-12 education in the platform lacks ideas for improving student achievement, especially after the learning losses caused by the pandemic.
The platform does mention the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in public education, but it fails to address the minimal impact on student achievement despite the massive amount of federal funding. Students are still behind in their learning, and school districts are facing financial challenges once the funds run out.
Interestingly, the platform opposes private-school vouchers and calls for more investments in full-service community schools. However, there is no real focus on improving accountability within the K-12 school system. This lack of attention to accountability is a notable gap in the platform, especially considering the importance it once held in education reform.
The Republican platform is also silent on accountability, reflecting a broader trend in society. Even conservative organizations like the Heritage Foundation do not emphasize federal oversight in education. This shift away from accountability could have significant consequences, especially in states like Massachusetts, where a union-backed initiative aims to eliminate the high school graduation exam, a key component of the state’s past accountability reforms.
In conclusion, accountability in education seems to have met a similar fate as Mr. Kurtz in Heart of Darkness – it’s dead. The lack of focus on accountability in political platforms and policy documents raises concerns about the future of education reform in the United States. Without a renewed emphasis on accountability, the progress made in improving student achievement could be at risk of unraveling.
