Question

Imagine you are a principal who wants to implement a school accountability system. You can either base this system on average test scores or on the percentage of students exceeding a specific score (the proficiency rate). How might the response of teachers to the accountability system differ based on which measure is used? How might student outcomes be affected? You should assume that students are randomly assigned to teachers

Answer 1

The first accountability system based on average score can be met even when teachers work harder with already bright students and improve their grades even further. Teachers would not mind this as this would be an easier task

The second one however, would require the teachers' effort to be directed at all the students. Not all the students would be motivated and this would therefore raise teachers' concerns as well about the accountability system.

The student outcomes will become less variant with the second policy. In the first policy, many students might self select themselves out of the extra hard work required. Second system would however encourage weaker students to work hard as well.