Standards/Performance: Accountability

With the approval in 2003 of the new Illinois Single Accountability system, federal adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals are now aligned with Illinois law. The new accountability system holds schools responsible for educating Illinois students relative to high standards and encourages them to strive to improve achievement year-to-year.

The Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) and the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) will be used to determine if Illinois schools are meeting the adequate yearly progress goals stemming from the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The accountability system will be very apparents as the performance categories established by the Illinois State Board of Education will disclose which low-performing schools are on the early warning or watch lists.

Resources

Additional information regarding Accountability may be found at the following websites:

• Illinois State Board of Education: About Illinois' AYP Accountability Plan
• United States Department of Education: Accountability for Schools