The Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) announces requests for research reports for Teacher Education Yearbook XV: International Perspective on Accountability Systems and Their Impact on Students, Society and Teacher Preparation. The Yearbook is scheduled for distribution at the 2007 ATE annual conference.  The conceptual framework of the Yearbook is based on a triadic definition of scholarship:  the production of knowledge, the interpretation and synthesis of knowledge, and the application of knowledge.  Each year, research reports based on a significant topic to ATE members are solicited for publication in the Yearbook. All research reports are blind reviewed and three reports in each of four divisions are published. A responder, a recognized scholar in the field, reacts to the three papers selected for each division.  The responder synthesizes, interprets, and applies results drawn from the selected research papers.  Both authors and responders are invited to present their papers at the 2007 ATE conference at a Teacher Education Yearbook research report session.

Topic of Yearbook XV
It is the intent of Yearbook XV to provide educators, policy makers and community members with research-based knowledge of the impact of accountability systems so that informed decisions may be made in planning and implementing accountability systems.  Accountability systems have the power to direct or redirect whole educational systems.   They can support and strengthen systems or limit and weaken them.  Systems of accountability are frequently enacted with inadequate knowledge of the effectiveness of the system or of the unintended consequences emanating from the system.  An international perspective on accountability is invited so that we may share knowledge and experience at a global level.  A holistic view of the impact of accountability systems is undertaken in Yearbook XV examining the impact on student achievement, schools, society and the workforce so that we may address accountability in all of its complexity.  An essential element in the successful implementation of accountability systems is the preparedness of classroom teachers to effectively use accountability measures.  To this end, the research papers submitted will include implications for teacher preparation programs indicated by research findings. 
We see this important topic as a complex issue and invite a range of research-based manuscripts.  Yearbook XV seeks research designs to investigate the impact of accountability systems on the following:
1. Student achievement
2. Effectiveness of school systems and curricula
3. Society and the workforce
4. Areas not being tested
An important part of the manuscript will be the inclusion of implications for teacher preparation programs.  Articles are to be research-based and may be empirical, theoretical or conceptual pieces.

Research Paper Format

Submissions must be completed papers (not previously published) and must not exceed 20 pages (including references and appendices, double spaced, Times Roman, 12pt).  Editors request that pages be numbered.  Tables and figures should be placed at the end of the text.  Authors should follow APA fifth edition guidelines. 

Include the following in your submission:
1.  Two separate copies of a cover page: title of paper, author(s), institution(s), mailing address, e-mail, and fax of first author.
2.  Author(s) biographical sketch (50 words).  Include your name, title, department, institution, and a brief description of your current research interests and publications.
3. Four copies of paper and abstract (150 words).
4. Three self-addressed stamped envelopes.
5. An electronic version of the requested information (on diskette or via email, MS Word preferred) in three separate files: (a) cover page, (b) biographical sketch, (c) paper and abstract.

Submit materials to:  
Louise Deretchin, Co-Editor
Teacher Education Yearbook XV
Houston A+ Challenge
1415 Louisiana, Suite 3250
Houston, TX 77002       USA                
713 658-1881  
Lderetchin@houstonaplus.org