Abstract
Since NCLB legislation in 2001, schools have seen a drastic change in assessment methods for students and are under increased pressure to be held accountable. This paper details the current situation in which high-stakes testing is not congruent with state standards. The paper then goes on to suggest ways in which states and school districts can alter assessments to increase their validity. Also, issues of how to improve school accountability are discussed. The Nebraska STARS accountability system is also evaluated and recommended.

From the Paper
"While assessment of school systems has been an ongoing issue in the United States for many years, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) created a controversy over accountability of schools and school districts. While NCLB has many admirable goals, such as attempting to provide equal educational opportunity to all students, there are weaknesses in its provision for assessments that plague schools that must not be held accountable for student learning. Spring (2006) notes that while states are able to create standards to determine what is taught and what state tests should contain, there is a requirement that fourth and eighth grade students must take the National Assessment of Educational Progress examinations (186). This legislation, in effect, creates a national curriculum because students from all states are expected to pass a national test. Additionally, NCLB's assessment requirements have already led to many states adopting other high-stakes assessments for students, and then holding schools responsible for failure or success on these tests. However, recent literature suggests that there are better assessment systems that can create a balanced approach to accountability."

Tags:accountability, assessment, child, districts, education, high, left, nclb, nebraska, school, schools, sociology, stakes, standardized, stars, state, teaching, testing, tests

Abstract
This paper analyzes how the move to improve the academic performance of students within the public school system in the United States has placed an emphasis on the role played by the teacher in the classroom setting. Various issues are examined in light of this new approach, with an emphasis on accountability which suggests that there are strong research-based correlations between the involvement and abilities of the educator and the outcome demonstrated by students. The paper further contends that this can be seen on test scores and other indicators of student academic performance.

From the Paper
" The move to improve the academic performance of students within the public school system in the United States has placed an emphasis on the role played by the teacher in the classroom setting. Proponents of accountability suggest that there are strong research-based correlations between the involvement and abilities of the educator and the outcome demonstrated by students on test scores and other indicators of student..."

Tags:accountability, issues, education

Abstract
In this article, the writer addresses the issue and effects associated with accountability in health care organizations, particularly in terms of medical mistakes. The writer discusses strategies for addressing the issue.

From the Paper
"There are few venues in modern life where accountability is more vital than in the realm of health care. Because health care deals in life-or-death situations every day the implications attendant upon a lack of accountability can be grave. Medical mistakes can and do occur easily often with dire consequences. Irreparable harm can occur and lives can be lost. A major study found that medical errors kill some people in U.S. hospitals each year and a different study cited ..."

Tags:accountability, medical errors, medical mistakes, health care, hospital

Abstract
This paper examines accountability in the workplace as it relates to workers and their relationships with their managers and with their employer. This paper also examines the phenomenon of tardiness in the workplace and how it negatively impacts on managers' perceptions of individuals and can negatively impact the coworker morale.

From the Paper
"According to an essay published on the International Association of Administrative Professionals website, accountability in the workplace involves taking ownership of your work and viewing the work you do not from your own perspective but from the perspective of your manager and other stakeholders. In the past, it was not uncommon for employees to perform tasks without ever understanding why the job had to be performed or how the work they did contributed to the organization for which they worked. It is widely..."

Tags:Accountability, workplace, employees, relationships, employers, longevity, careers, loyalty, productivity

Abstract
The paper presents a study proposal to determine what strategies will work to promote transparency and accountability in local government in Ondo State, Nigeria. The writer explores the principles behind town hall meetings and provides a suggested methodology to determine how well received such a government structure might be in the area. The paper concludes that while experts agree that there is no trust between the people of Nigeria and the government structures that govern them, little has been examined on how to correct the problem. This study provides answers so that future decisions can be made about how to restructure local governments for the betterment of Nigerian society.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Town Hall Meeting Structure
a) Public Hearing
b) Citizen Comments
Methodology
Data Collection
Interviews
Limitations Of Study
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Citizen comments have long since been part of town hall meetings in local government. Citizens attend the local government meeting and sign up to be heard. There is usually a time limit on how long they can speak thereby giving many the opportunities to be heard. The local government usually places a rule where the officials cannot respond or defend they must simply listen to the comments of the citizens and take note."

Tags:leadership, culture, shared, values, transparency, inclusion, partnership, accountability

Abstract
This literary review discusses democratic accountability in terms of governmental change and responsibility. The paper advocates the radical change of corporatism instead of simple reform.

From the Paper
"The integrity of Canada's demographic institutions seems to have been declining in recent years. For example, in "Liberals on winning end of Gomery report" Don Martin states, 'Supervisors were blinded, whistleblowers fired, bids rigged, contracts fabricated, purposes circumvented and money diverted into Liberal accounts.' Using strong, at times harsh and judgmental wording, Gomery nailed the liars, dissed the forgetful and credited the trustworthy to recreate the worst parts of a sponsorship program exhaustively examined by his commission of inquiry (Martin 1). This statement lists some of the deceptive and illegal activities that were connected to or committed by the Liberal Party. "

Tags:democratic, accountability, review

Abstract
In this era of brief therapy, managed care and increasing stipulations for accountability, nursing professionals need effectual ways to measure patient symptoms at intake and over time to support clinical decision making and to demonstrate accountability. This paper argues that moral and accountability issues are issues that each nurse must adhere to, keeping a careful eye on the facts, and on the benefits, the rights and the justice involved.

Paper Outline:
Accountability Issues
Outcomes
Health and Well-being
Choice
Dignity
Confidentiality
Fairness
Accountability
Key Components of Teamwork for Client/Patient Care
Team Ethics
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"A nurse is accountable as a professional. As an employee, he or she is also accountable to his or her employer under employment law. As a citizen, a nurse is accountable to society in general, in particular under civil and criminal law. Whether or not a nurse knows the rules, they will still judge him or her if his or her actions are called into question. [2]"

Tags:dignity, professionalism, skill, morals

Abstract
The writer provides critical reviews of published literature on the topic of corporate accountability and includes discussions on several aspects of accountability. The topics discussed are corporate ethics, managerial performance and using the performance reviews for accountability purposes as well as individual worker ethics and accountability. The paper shows how accountability at all levels of business can be a key factor in success or failure.

From the Paper
"Within the last decades several studies have been conducted regarding the importance of ethics in business at the corporate and executive level. One such study was published by Harvard University's Graduate School of Business, written by Lynn Sharp Pain and explored the need for managing an organization's integrity(Paine, 1994). Paine believes that managers often think ethics are a question of personal scruples that is confidential between them and their conscious."

Tags:business-ethics, responsibility, employee, worker

Abstract
This paper examines the New York State (NYS) Public Authority Accountability Act, the S-OX Rule 404, a related report by the NYS Comptroller and a report by the Attorney General and the State Isnpector General, requested by NYS Governor, which addressed the sale of certain land rights bordering the Erie Canal. The author explores the factors contributing to the passage of the NYS Public Authority Accountability Act, its intent , the ways this act addresses legislative concerns and its potential to succeed. The paper includes a synthesis of the NYS Public Authority Accountability Act's particular provisions. Figures are included with the paper.

Table of Contents:
Revealing Operations behind Closed Doors
The "Act" Itself
Specific Provisions of the Public Authority Reform Act
SOX Rule 404
Rule 404 of the SEC
Opening Closed Doors of "Internal Control"
Discussion of Amendments Implementing Section 404
Acts in the Interest of the People of NYS
Senate Passes Legislation to Reform Public Authorities
The Value of Values

From the Paper
"Internal control encompasses more than a company's accounting functions. A number of definitions of the term "internal control" primarily focus on "clarifying the portion of a company's internal control that an auditor should consider when planning and performing an audit of a company's financial statements." This, albeit, did not improve the level of understanding of "internal control", nor satisfactorily provide the guidance that auditors sought. In time, successive definitions followed and increased understanding."

Tags:components governance, erie canal, ethics, internal control

Abstract
This paper explains that an accountability plan assures that students demonstrate, at minimum, grade level proficiency in all aspects of their education. The author points out that a solid accountability program will incorporate a mission statement, concrete curriculum, evaluation and assessment programs, teacher training, and continuing education. The paper relates that it is critical that teachers keep updated about any educational or technological advances that may impact their ability to enhance student performance.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Basics of an Accountability Program
Curriculum
Evaluation Method
Methods for Evaluating Student Performance
Information Utilization
Teacher Training
Conclusions

From the Paper
"A strong accountability program will focus on establishing a cooperative environment, one where teachers and administrators work together to enhance student achievement and outcomes. For this to happen teachers need to develop lesson plans and a curriculum that coincides with not only classroom goals but also organizational and educational desired outcomes."

Tags:cooperation, standardized, mission, curriculum, computers