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About PRG – Government accountability
Examples
In 1996 Tom McMahon, counsel in the Information Law and Privacy Section of Canada’s Department of Justice, wrote an article informing Canadian citizens of their right to information. He states, “any discussion of integrity in public life should begin with the twin pillars of our commonwealth heritage: a commitment to the rule of law and to the accountability of the Executive to the people.”
The Southern Regional Education Board was founded in 1948 at the request of Southern leaders in business, education and government; it was the nation’s first compact for education. Over the years SREB has worked to improve every aspect of education - from early childhood education to doctoral degrees and beyond.
The NGA for Best Practices sponsored a task force to address accountability in the education system. The following Issue Brief discusses some of the tough issues that states face as they design and implement education accountability systems. Those issues include measuring school performance and identifying low-performing schools, creating effective school rewards programs, providing useful technical assistance and support to schools, and communicating with and engaging all stakeholders in the reform process.
Education Week published a special report in 1999, stating: “The pressure is on. After years of exhorting and cajoling schools to improve, policymakers have decided to get tough. States are taking steps to reward results and punish failure in an effort to ensure that children are getting a good education and tax dollars aren't being wasted.”
Every year, thousands of Americans witness wrongdoing on the job. Some speak out. Their actions may ultimately save lives and billions of dollars. But rather than receive praise for their integrity, these brave whistleblowers are often targeted for harassment, intimidation, demotion, and dismissal. In 1977, the non-profit Government Accountability Project was created to help these employees, who, through their individual acts of conscience, protect the public.
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