Post-EQA Accountability: A Menu of Policy Options
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
8:30 - 10:00 AM
Omni Parker House Hotel
60 School Street
Boston, MA
Presented by the:
Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
Join us for the release of a policy brief and a discussion exploring the opportunities and challenges of redesigning Massachusetts’ district accountability function.
Session Overview
This year, the state Legislature decided to phase out the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA). Legislators and policymakers are currently exploring options for establishing a new accountability function for the Commonwealth’s school districts.
Accountability, one of the key components of standards-based education reform, is intended to spur academic achievement for all students by applying pressure and consequences to public schools and school districts. Aligned with the accountability provisions envisioned in the Massachusetts Education Reform Act (MERA) of 1993, the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA) was created by the Legislature in 2000 to provide an “independent mechanism to verify the efforts of school districts and charter schools in order to promote higher levels of academic achievement by students.” However, EQA has faced steady criticism about the ways in which it has operated, and policymakers are determining a new way to perform the district accountability function.
At this event, the Rennie Center will release and discuss findings from its policy brief entitled Post-EQA Accountability: A Menu of Policy Options. This brief is intended to contribute to the discussion about a new accountability function and includes case examples of accountability models from four other states and three countries. The brief concludes with an array of policy options for consideration by Massachusetts policymakers.
Following the research presentation, panelists will discuss opportunities and obstacles to restructuring accountability in Massachusetts. The event will conclude with a moderated respondent discussion.
Research Presentation
Jill Norton, Executive Director, Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy
Robert Antonioni, Senator, Massachusetts State Legislature; Chairman, Joint Committee on Education Moderator
Moderated Panel Discussion
Patricia Haddad, Representative, Massachusetts State Legislature; Chairwoman, Joint Committee on Education
Glenn Koocher, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Committees
Dana Mohler-Faria, Education Advisor to Governor Deval Patrick; President, Bridgewater State College
Robert Schwartz, Academic Dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education; former Chairman of the Education Management Audit Council
Tom Scott, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS)
Kathie Skinner, Director, Center for Education Policy and Practice, Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA)
REGISTRATION
Call the Rennie Center reservation line at 617-354-0002, ext. 13 or register online by completing the form below. Registration is free, however space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
About the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
The Rennie Center's mission is to develop a public agenda that informs and promotes significant improvement of public education in Massachusetts. Our work is motivated by a vision of an education system that creates the opportunity to educate every child to be successful in life, citizenship, employment and life-long learning. Applying nonpartisan, independent research, and civic engagement, the Center is creating a civil space to foster thoughtful public discourse to inform and shape effective policy. For more information, visit us at www.renniecenter.org.
