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What it Takes: The Effort Behind the Work

Rethinking Accountability Starts with Rethinking What It Means to be Accountable

For many educators, the word accountability brings up frustration, confusion, or even dread. It's often associated with policy-driven mandates—an overwhelming “10-ton elephant” imposed on schools that seems impossible to escape.

So, when we say there's a better way to do accountability, it’s understandable if it feels like just another elephant heading your way.

But here’s the truth:

There isn’t a single educator who isn’t willing to be responsible, answerable, and transparent about their efforts—especially when it means helping others understand the value of their work. That’s what real accountability is all about.

The Research Is Clear: What You're Accustomed to Seeing as Accountability Doesn’t Work

Compliance-Driven Test-Based accountability systems:

  • Don’t help schools become more effective
  • Rely on technical research instruments that are widely misunderstood
  • Fail to build trust with families and communities
  • Focus on a small slice of what schools actually do (and not very well)
  • Feel like a burden rather than a tool for growth
Real Accountability Is a Leadership Discipline

The kind of accountability that matters—the kind that builds trust—was always meant to be a discipline of leadership. It's something you learn, practice, and refine over time. And it’s not a burden—it’s a powerful tool.

Accountability isn't a program or an initiative. It isn't even extra work in the way the 10-ton elephant is.

In fact, it may be the best way to get the 10-ton elephant off your back.

So, What’s the Real Effort Required?

Surprisingly little—especially when you consider the payoff.

With the right tools and frameworks, meaningful accountability work can be done in just a few hours a month.

And in return, you gain:

  • Clearer communication with your stakeholders
  • Stronger leadership capacity
  • A lasting foundation of trust

This isn’t about doing more work. It’s about accounting for the work you already do in a way that actually makes a difference.