Chicago Accountability and Autonomy Program

Check out this Chicago Tribune report on how the Chicago public schools are getting achievementout of their schools. A carrot and stick approach, in exchange for success in educating children, principals get more autonomy in managing their schools.

The new autonomy schools, expected to be announced Monday, will bring to 108 the number qualifying for AMPS (Autonomous Management Performance Schools). The schools not only have to have above-average test scores and attendance rates, but the principals also have to have a solid record of managing money, following special-education mandates and hiring qualified teachers.

"They are finally recognizing that we are professionals and we know what we are doing," said Garcia. "We take great pride in this, and we don't ever want to lose [ autonomous status]."

The district plans to invite five schools that have shown promise but still struggle with below-average test scores, said Melissa Megliola, the district's autonomy chief.

Megliola said about 30 low-performing schools are expected to apply for autonomy by the deadline next week, with final selection sometime in April. "We'd like to see if we could grant autonomy as a tool for improvement, not just as a reward for achievement," she said.

So schools that do a good job are rewarded--imagine that.