ABSTRACT
An important part of raising the level of rigor in classroom and school is collaborating with other teachers. There are various options and purposes for working together. There are three defining characteristics of professional learning communities. First, professional learning communities are focused on student learning. Next, there is a culture of collaboration among the participants. Finally, professional learning communities focus on results, no matter what it takes. Opportunities for collaborative inquiry and the learning related to it allow teachers to develop and share their learning. A more formal option than simply working together to craft a lesson, lesson studies emphasize working in small groups to plan, teach, observe, and critique a lesson. A charrette is typically used when there is a specific issue a teacher needs to address, which at times may have the potential for dissension and therefore needs a more structured approach to the conversation.
