National Council of Teachers of English

Resolution on Involving Teachers and Students in Decisions Regarding Educational Accountability

1970 NCTE Annual Business Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia

Background

A society which demands accountability of teachers must examine its priorities in relation to the education of its children and youth. Teachers cannot be held fully accountable for lack of learning in situations where classrooms are overcrowded, materials and supplies inadequate, curriculum imposed, and schools poorly supported and administered. Teachers are accountable to their profession, their communities, and the parents of their pupils, but most of all they are accountable to the young people they teach. Be it therefore

Resolution

Resolved, that teachers and students, the parties most crucially involved in the learning process, be actively involved with state and local school administrators, school boards, community groups, and parents in making decisions regarding accountability structures and procedures.

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