The issue of accountability in relation to cost-effectiveness in public education was investigated through the conduct of this study. To add perspective to the investigation, educators from outside the United States were included in the study sample.
The respondents from Trinidad and Tobago were found to be much more receptive to the concept of accountability for educators than were the respondents from California. This finding led to a conclusion that it will be difficult to implement a meaningful and effective system of accountability in public education in California. This finding also may offer insight into the poor performance of students from the United States in international testing.
ABSTRACT ............................................ 2
CHAPTER 1 û INTRODUCTION ............................ 1
Context for the Study ...................... 4
Need for the Study ......................... 4
Purpose of the Study ....................... 6
Problem Statement .......................... 8
Research Questions ......................... 8
Definitions of Terms ....................... 18
About the Researcher ....................... 19
Overview of the Remainder of the Study ..... 21
CHAPTER 2 û REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ................ 23
Developing Educational Goals ............... 23
Effective Learning ......................... 32
Student Performance Standards .............. 38
Teacher & Administrator Performance ........ 61
Outcomes-Based Education ................... 66
Site-Based Management ...................... 69
Chapter Summary & Transition ............... 71
CHAPTER 3 û METHODOLOGY ............................. 72
Research Design ............................ 72
Operational Definitions of Variables ....... 76
Dependent Variables ................... 76
Independent Variables ................