Making the Grade: The Intentions, Interpretations, and Implications of Delaware’s School Accountability System

Abstract

In the fall of 2001, most of the schools in Delaware received their first school rating generated by the school accountability system. The purpose of the current study was to examine schools’ responses to the rating system by conducting a cross-case analysis of two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Among the six participating schools, three received superior ratings, one received a commendable rating, and two were classified as under review. Individual sites were studied to inform and support the ongoing efforts to improve student achievement in schools throughout the state.