As states redesign their school accountability systems under ESSA, there is disagreement over the best way to measure and communicate school performance. Some favor a simple letter-grade system for schools based on student achievement on annual statewide tests. Others prefer a dashboard-style system that includes multiple measures.

A new poll released by USC and PACE finds that voters in California have a positive view of the state’s dashboard approach to accountability.

In “California’s Dashboard Data Will Guide Improvement,” Heather J. Hough and Michael W. Kirst defended the California approach. Their article was part of an EdNext Forum, “How Should States Design Their Accountability Systems?”

— Education Next