1. Educator Autonomy Project
Fact Sheet
February 10, 2014
What is the purpose of the Educator Autonomy Project?
The Educator Autonomy Project supports the on-going efforts in Rhode Island to bring
stakeholders together to develop proposals that will improve student achievement through
increased local autonomy for educators.
Why was the Educator Autonomy Project created?
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee created the Educator Autonomy Project because:
• Research has shown that two critical factors in improving student achievement are
having an excellent teacher in every classroom and having an excellent leader in
every school.
• The most recent reforms (e.g., Common Core State Standards, comprehensive
assessment systems, teacher-induction program) have involved educators in their
development, yet have emanated from a state level.
• These reforms have been necessary but not sufficient to create the world-class
education system we aspire to in Rhode Island.
• As these latest reforms become ingrained across the state, we need to begin
thinking about how to unleash innovation in our schools and classrooms through
more autonomy at the local level.
Whom did Governor Chafee appoint to the Educator Autonomy Working Group?
To set the project in motion, Governor Chafee appointed 17 members to the Educator
Autonomy Working Group. A list of the members of the group is posted here. Governor
Chafee appointed two award-winning teachers to co-chair the Educator Autonomy
Working Group: Yanaiza Gallant, the 2012 Rhode Island Milken Educator Award
winner, and Pat Page, the 2014 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.
How were the members selected?
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the Governor’s staff developed
a list of diverse stakeholders (e.g., parents, teachers, principals, community leaders)
who should be represented on the working group. RIDE asked the leaders of several
stakeholder groups (e.g., the National Education Association Rhode Island and the Rhode
Island American Federation of Teachers, the Rhode Island School Superintendents’
Association) to recommend to Governor Chafee potential participants who had an interest
in and experience with educator-autonomy issues. In some cases, Governor Chafee
selected fields such as business or health care that will benefit from our having worldclass education system.

2. What will the Educator Autonomy Working Group do?
The group will meet monthly to research, discuss, and develop recommendations to
Governor Chafee on how to advance student achievement through increasing local
autonomy.
What are some of the topics that the Working Group will discuss?
The group is examining opportunities for increasing educator autonomy in the following
major areas: (1) curriculum and instruction; (2) budgeting; (3) professional development;
(4) staffing; and (5) organizational structures and governance.
When will the Working Group submit recommendations to Governor Chafee?
The target date to submit recommendations is by the end of June 2014.
Does Governor Chafee have to implement the recommendations?
No, there is no requirement for the Governor to implement the recommendations;
however, we expect that other education policy leaders (e.g., members of the General
Assembly, members of the Board of Education) will also consider the recommendations.
Are the meetings open to the public?
Yes, all meetings are open to the public. The dates of each meeting are listed here.
Agendas and materials for each meeting are posted here.
Where are the meetings held?
The meetings are held at the Rhode Island Department of Education, 255 Westminster
Street/80 Washington St., Providence, in Room 501. If you would like more information
about the meetings, please contact Dana Wilson, at Dana.Wilson@ride.ri.gov, or call her,
at 222-8700.
What if I have an idea for the Educator Autonomy Working Group? Whom do I
contact?
If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact one of the co-chairs of the working
group: Yanaiza.gallant@ppsd.org or ppage@egsd.net
Where can I find out more information?
The Educator Autonomy Working Group website is located at http://
Edtonomy.weebly.com. Follow the group’s work on Twitter, at #Edtonomy