Improving Schools Through Accountability
Accountability is one of the key ingredients of a thriving school. When it comes to Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and improving schools, accountability ensures that every student gets the help they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. By building a culture where everyone takes responsibility, schools can make real progress and create learning environments where all students feel supported.
MTSS is a powerful framework designed to meet the unique needs of each student through different levels of support. Accountability within MTSS means paying close attention to data, using it to guide decisions, and tracking how well students are progressing. It’s also about sticking to proven practices and making sure they’re being used as intended. Teachers, administrators, families, and support staff all share in this responsibility, and ongoing training helps educators stay equipped to make MTSS work effectively.
Accountability isn’t just about tracking student outcomes—it also means holding teachers accountable for their role in fostering student success. This includes ensuring that teachers are using evidence-based strategies in their classrooms, providing meaningful instruction, and actively participating in interventions for students who need additional support. Administrators must regularly provide constructive feedback and professional development opportunities to help teachers grow and refine their practices. When teachers are held accountable, it not only supports individual student achievement but also fosters a culture of professionalism and shared commitment within the school.
We recently had the opportunity to visit a high school that made tremendous growth on last year’s state tests. At this school teachers meet in PLCs every Monday. In every PLC the principal meets individually with teachers to look at student data and discuss their progress. One of the assistant principal meets individually with teachers to discuss which students are failing and when they’ve been absent. This procedure allows the administrators and teachers to have conversations about the students and their needs. The school also has systems in place to allow students to get additional support through peer tutoring and remediation with the teachers.
Accountability is a game-changer when it comes to making schools better. It brings transparency, making it easier to see what’s working and what needs tweaking. This openness builds trust among teachers, parents, and the community. It also promotes fairness, ensuring that every student—especially those from marginalized groups—gets the support they deserve. Schools that embrace accountability are better at setting clear goals, tracking progress, and reaching meaningful milestones. Plus, focusing on accountability creates an atmosphere where feedback is welcomed, and improvement becomes a natural part of the process.
Creating a culture of accountability starts with setting clear and achievable goals. At the school we visited their goals are clear. 95% of students will not have an office referral, 95% of students will not miss more than 6 days of school and 95% of students will pass their classes. Regular check-ins to reflect on progress and make adjustments based on data are key. And let’s not forget to celebrate successes—recognizing achievements keeps everyone motivated and inspired to keep going.
Of course, accountability needs to be approached with care. It’s important not to overdo it with testing, as schools should use a variety of measures to define success. Educators need support to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and schools serving high-needs communities must have access to the resources they require to meet their goals.
At its core, accountability isn’t just about hitting numbers on a chart; it’s about creating a system where every student has the chance to thrive. For MTSS and overall school improvement, accountability ensures that strategies are effective, fair, and aligned with the goal of helping students grow. By embracing this mindset, schools can unlock their potential and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of their students.
Our resources listed below can help with accountability.
