Some of these now strongly argue that evaluation which is initiated and conducted by teachers in response to their own perceived needs and interests has a greater capacity to promote professional development, because the role of teachers is extended but their autonomy is preserved.

It should be initiated and managed by teachers inside the schools on the assumption that only if schools and teachers retain control of the evaluation process will they be committed to the implementation of any recommendations for action that arise.

The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal to request an evaluation.

Charter schools are new schools, initiated by parents, teachers or other groups, funded by the taxpayer, free to pupils, but autonomous from the traditional school authorities.

The New Small Autonomous Schools (NSAS) movement was initiated by parents, teachers, and activists committed to improving education in Oakland, which had a long history of poor urban school conditions including high dropout rates, school overcrowding and violence, and teacher turnover.