The Accountability Challenge.

American elementary and secondary education is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Student achievement has declined, learning gaps have widened, and many graduates are ill-prepared for college or the workforce. The decline in accountability for schools and students is a major factor contributing to these issues. The article explores the history of accountability in education reform, including the introduction of standardized tests. However, there has been a backlash against accountability measures, driven by concerns about narrowing the curriculum and a focus on equity. The article argues for a renewed emphasis on accountability to address the current challenges in American education. [Extracted from the article]