Educational Accountability Considerations for NAIS Member Schools

November 1, 2006
NAIS Board of Trustees

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) believes that:

• Educational institutions have a responsibility to provide their students with the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics necessary to be successful global citizens;
• Schools are accountable first and foremost to their parents and students but are also accountable to the public-at-large and government; and
• The community of independent schools must continue to demonstrate its accountability using a variety of tangible and intangible measurements, including evidence of productive citizenship, accomplishment in life, and academic record.

For Independent Schools Considering Participation in Federal or State Education Programs

In evaluating whether or not to participate in a state or federal education program, independent schools should first contact their state or regional independent schools organization for the input of key staff members. In addition, consider the following questions. If the answer is "no" to all or most of these questions, an independent school might favorably consider participating. If the answer to all or most of these questions is "yes", an independent school should carefully weigh the issues in light of ensuring their continued freedom to operate as independent schools.

1. Will your school be receiving money directly from the state or federal program?
2. Is the grant for more than the participation of your students or teachers (i.e., Is it more than teacher professional development provided directly to a teacher without funds coming to your school?)?
3. Does the program require you to administer state mandated standardized tests to your students?
4. Does the program require you to provide the results of standardized tests of your students as a group or by grade levels to the state?
5. Is student evaluation based only on test scores?
6. Does the public school district design the program of services and benefits without input from you?

Who We Are
NAIS's 1,400 member schools are private schools defined by their independent missions, governance, curricula, financing, and admission processes. As nonprofit entities, independent schools' boards of trustees provide oversight and establish school policy while the head of school provides institutional leadership. Financially, NAIS schools are primarily supported through tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment income. They meet state and regional approved accreditation standards and are held accountable by boards and the families who enroll their children.

For more information, please contact Jefferson Burnett at burnett@nais.org or (202) 973-9714.