Summary of Themes Emerging from Autonomy Meetings

Below is a brief summary of the focus and themes that emerged at each of the working group meetings. As you review all the materials provided at the

meetings, add additional thoughts you gained from the meeting itself. The focus of the meetings comes from the agendas and the themes emerged either

from the exit tickets or the notes at the meeting. Further information on specific meetings can be accessed at Edtonomy.weebly.com

Meeting Date Focus of the Meeting Emerging Themes December 3, 2013 Clarifying Expectations, Process, Timeframe

Exploring what autonomy means Identifying Areas of Autonomy to consider

Pin down the barriers Examine Examples of Autonomy Explore curriculum and instruction next

January 6, 2014 Autonomy as it applies to curriculum/instruction Basic Education Program/Federal requirements Identifying driving and restraining forces

Lack of awareness of existing autonomy Educators best equipped to make curriculum & instruction decisions Teacher Quality & Responsiveness are key Time, funding, & organizational structures are key barriers

February 11, 2014 Example of an Autonomous School Research on autonomy

Require operational details on what works Autonomy not a single panacea What will work in Rhode Island?

March 4, 2014 3 Examples of Autonomy from States/Districts

Some aspects of autonomy hold promise Operational details are needed

April 7, 2014 3 Massachusetts leaders discuss autonomy

Certain conditions essential for autonomy Trust and collaboration key at all levels Leadership and training matter