Research shows that peer collaboration is one of the most effective forms of professional development. America’s Choice schools offer regular opportunities for teachers to work together.

• In teacher meetings, grade-level and content-area teachers frequently gather to analyze student work, review student performance data, and plan for instruction. They use this time to learn about, try out, and reflect on new instructional strategies, with demonstrations, modeling, and guidance from a lead teacher or coach.

• In study groups, teachers and administrators explore research and best practices. This gives them a shared understanding and common language about standards-based teaching and learning.