Introduction -- The "A-word" : why people hate accountability and what you can do about it -- Accountability essentials : identifying and measuring teaching practices -- The accountable teacher -- Teacher empowerment : bottom-up accountability -- A view from the district -- The policymaker's perspective -- Putting it all together : standards, assessment, and accountability -- Appendix A. A sample comprehensive accountability system -- Appendix B. Tools for developing and implementing an accountability system -- Appendix C. Contact information for state departments of education and other organizations.