Moving from bureaucratic to market accountability: The problem of imperfect information

Accountability is a complex idea frequently invoked as political rhetoric. Accordingly, a theoretical framework that includes bureaucratic, performanc e, market, and professional models of accountability is necessary to analyz e the accountability system created for Arizona charter schools. Using a qu alitative case study that relied on observations, interviews, and document analysis, this case indicated that valid and reliable performance data are not an intrinsic element of a school choice program. Accordingly, mechanism s that capture and distribute accurate, accessible, and wide-ranging inform ation about schools of choice will assist consumers in making informed deci sions when selecting among schools.