Implementing a school improvement plan can be challenging work and may involve many things, such as adopting new policies, procedures, reporting methods, professional development, data collection and analysis, etc. It is important that the school improvement team continue to revisit their plan and performance indicators to ensure they remain focused on their goals. A key factor in implementing a successful school reform plan is ensuring that staff receive the professional development they need.

Examples of places engaged in effective professional development:

• ABC Unified School District, California
• Toledo Public Schools, Ohio
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida
• Union/district-sponsored professional development

Resources to support professional development:

• AFT's Professional Development Web resources
• AFT's Resolution on Recruiting and Retaining Teachers in Hard-to-Staff Schools
• A Shared Responsibility: Staffing All High-Poverty, Low-Performing Schools with Effective Teachers and Administrators. A Framework for Action
  Learning First's research-based framework provides a systemic set of actions to address the needs of students in high-poverty, low-performing schools who are less likely than their more affluent peers to attend schools staffed by the most qualified teachers, administrators and other school staff. Learning First Alliance (2005).  
• High Quality Professional Development
  This article provides practical, hands-on ideas on finding time for professional development, making professional development meaningful and effective, and some best practices in the area of professional development. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) (1998).