"Consequential accountability" refers to being responsible for the outcomes or results of our actions or decisions. It means understanding that our choices have consequences, and we are held accountable for those consequences. Full definition
• Accountability systems: States began implementing school accountability systems in the early 1990s, but by the time of NCLB's enactment in 2002 just 29 states had adopted some form of consequential accountability system. (educationnext.org)
California extended the school rating moratorium in 2015 — meaning the Golden State has not had a comprehensive school rating or consequential accountability system for three years. (laschoolreport.com)
However, as Hanushek and Raymond note, as NCLB took hold, all states became «effectively consequential accountability states.» (educationnext.org)