Introduction This initial class will introduce students to each other, the instructor, and the intellectual content of the course. The first part of the class will be devoted to describing the syllabus and course project. The remainder of the class will focus on how accountability has been defined in a variety of contexts (e.g., K-12, higher education, business and industry, and the health professions). Unit learning goals When you finish this unit you will have learned to: 1. Define the concept of accountability and give examples of its use in various contexts, both in education and beyond. 2. Compare and contrast the evolution of accountability in K-12 and higher education, including the social and political pressures that have influenced trends. 3. Begin to identify major accountability issues and challenges encountered in your workplace.

Questions to answer before class as you complete your reading assignment: 1. How is the concept of accountability defined in your workplace? 2. How has the definition of accountability changed over time in education, and what factors have led to those changes? 3. What are some of the current challenges to accountability? 4. How does the definition of accountability introduced in this unit align with and differ from your previous professional experience working with this topic? 5. Based on Hentschke and Wohlstetter, how can the contractual agreements between directors and providers in your profession or specific work setting be leveraged to increase desired outcomes and equity?