ABSTRACT
Effective professional development is an essential part of your effort to improve rigor. Traditionally, professional development has included large group activities like workshops, seminars, courses, or conferences. Professional development should focus on clear results and promote the growth and learning of teachers and administrators. Many schools use professional learning communities (PLCs) as a tool for improved professional learning. A good way to engage people in their own professional growth is to organize a book study group. At some schools, every teacher is asked to read the same book and work in small groups to discuss the book and its implications for practice. Central to the effectiveness of professional learning communities is their emphasis on student learning. Built around collaborative endeavors, professional learning communities without a focus on learning fail to achieve all of the potential benefits. The most successful schools are those that are committed to the continual professional growth and development of all personnel.
