Accountability and Assistance System Overview

The state's framework for district accountability and assistance is a coherent structure for linking the state's accountability and assistance activities with districts based on their level of need, and provides school and district leaders with common indicators and tools for assessing systems and practices, diagnosing challenges, and identifying appropriate interventions.

Accountability

The purpose of the accountability system is to provide clear, actionable information to families, community members, and the public about district and school performance. Additionally, the accountability system helps the state to direct resources and assistance. The framework for the accountability system allows the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to identify districts and schools that require assistance or intervention in addition to those that are demonstrating success. The Massachusetts accountability system aligns with the Commonwealth's priorities while meeting federal education requirements.

Assistance

Since 2009, Massachusetts has defined its approach to district engagement based on the premise that accountability and assistance must be closely linked to produce continuous and sustainable improvement. Massachusetts' statewide system of support enables the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide focused assistance to districts that is differentiated by need, and provides structured opportunities for teachers, administrators, and district leaders to engage in activities including coaching, action research, facilitated work teams, professional communities of practice, and networking.

• Statewide System of Support

Last Updated: June 27, 2022