Marilyn Cochran-Smith - Rethinking Accountability

Marilyn Cochran-Smith discusses the problematic assumptions in US teacher education and critiques the current accountability systems. She proposes an alternative approach called democratic accountability, emphasizing strong democracy, equity, intelligent accountability, and joint decision-making. The goal is to rethink accountability in education to better serve the future of democracy.

What is one of the problematic assumptions about teacher education in the United States?

• Teachers matter more than any other factor in schools.

• Performance in US education is considered adequate.

• Teacher educators are not important for national prosperity.

• Teachers have no impact on student success.

What is a major flaw in the current accountability systems for teacher education?

• They rely heavily on test scores.

• They are based on extensive evidence.

• They encourage creativity in teaching.

• They focus on broad outcomes.

What does strong democracy in teacher education accountability involve?

• Participation and community involvement.

• Only voting in elections.

• Supporting special interest groups.

• Ignoring diverse societal needs.

What does strong equity in teacher education aim to address?

• Ignoring systemic issues.

• Focusing only on high-performing students.

• Maintaining existing inequities.

• Ensuring everyone has access to good teachers.

What is the focus of intelligent accountability in teacher education?

• Centralized decision-making.

• Standardized testing.

• Trust and professionalism.

• Mistrust of the profession.

Who should be involved in joint decision-making for accountability systems?

• Only teacher educators.

• Teachers, school leaders, and communities.

• Government officials only.

• Students and parents only.

What is the ultimate goal of rethinking accountability in teacher education?

• To eliminate accountability entirely.

• To maintain the status quo.

• To focus solely on test scores.

• To enhance the future of democracy.