Accountability: Who Does What to Whom, When, Where, and How?.

Abstract

M uch has been written about the excuse frequently given is that much of subject of accountability as it relates to the work of counselor is in the affective education and counseling. The common domain and is not measurable (Humes theme of these books and articles seems 1972a). Educators are often consumed by to be the question of who does what to the fear that the accountability criteria whom, when, where, and how well. In will be dictated by the administration, spite of the fact that most educators leaving them with litle control over the agree that accountability is necessary process (Gubser 1974; Huber 1974). One and good thing, many disagree on how additional problem area is that many to establish and implement such procounselors view an evaluation, especially gram. of projects or programs, as a personal The confusion and disagreement often threat to their competence or professional begins with the definitions of accountareputation (Burck & Peterson 1975, p. bility and accountable. Webster's New 565). Collegiate Dictionary states that to be In addition to feeling threatened by accountable is to be liable, to be answeraccountability, some writers suggested able, or to explain. Both Miller (1972) that it was nonsense even to question the and Huber (1974) agreed with this results of guidance services. Humes concept of being responsible for level (1972) stated that the mere structure of of performance or accomplishment. guidance program was enough proof that Gubser (1974), however, felt that equatit was needed and useful. As result, ing accountability with liability was guidance services continue to be justified confusing and unjust. He preferred to simply because they are an established define accountability as being responsitraditional service of the school (Pulvino ble for something of value that has been & Sanborn 1972). Other counselors entrusted to one's care (p. 296). Hence, expressed the opinion that informal it is unfair to hold counselors liable student feedback provided enough when many responsibilities are beyond support of guidance services because their control. Krumboltz (1974) and counselors' busy schedules seldom permit Lieberman (1970) concluded that an accountability system exists when in formation and results of evaluation are , . , . . ,. , . Susan K. Crabbs is an Elementary School used in decision or policy making. _ , , „ , , r ' Counselor, Ankeny Community Schools, Iowa, Numerous excuses have been given for and Michael A. Crabbs is doctoral student the resistance to accountability. One at Iowa State University, Ames.