Accountability as a means of improvement: A continuity of themes

The importance of education as a campaign issue in contests for the governorship loomed large during the twentieth century throughout the United States, but was especially powerful in the South. Florida was no exception. Once elected, governors used the power of their office to influence educational policy. Some aspired to be "educational governors" by appointing blue-ribbon committees and making fundamental changes in state educational structures. In addition, national trends including the "back to basics" movement and accountability practices as well as analyses linking education to business growth and economic prosperity have heavily influenced gubernatorial decisions and priorities in funding.¹ The programs developed from the vision of the governors, and the national trends have emphasized increased funding for schools and universities and have sought ways to make systems more efficient. Since 1970, however, accountability has played an important role. Over the last decade, the development of the ability to follow students through the system has given the policy makers in Tallahassee the capacity to link specific schools and classroom teachers to student achievement. This ability has brought the state government closer to the local government and has made state policy the center of local district policy.