Finds that it is the state's responsibility to create a coherent and effective accountability framework for the continuous improvement for all schools and districts to provide: (1) An excellent and equitable education for all students;

(2) An aligned federal/state accountability system; and

(3) The tools necessary for schools and districts to be accountable, including the necessary accounting and data reporting systems, assessment systems to monitor student achievement, and a system of general support, targeted assistance, and if necessary, intervention.

Phase I of this accountability system will: (1) Recognize schools that have done an exemplary job of raising student achievement and closing the achievement gaps using the state board of education's accountability index; and

(2) Target the lowest five percent of persistently lowest-achieving schools to provide federal funds and federal intervention models through either a voluntary option or a required action process.

Phase II of this accountability system will work toward implementing the state board of education's accountability index for identification of schools in need of improvement and the use of state and local intervention models and state funds.

The expectation from implementation of this accountability system is the improvement of student achievement for all students to prepare them for postsecondary education, work, and global citizenship in the twenty-first century.