Describes how one Kentucky school successfully beats its own winning test scores. The school examined what was taught, how it was taught, and how much was learned, determining how to regularly assess student progress. A staff development program was created that integrated continuous student assessment with teacher training. Teams of teachers and…

What would a school look like if it were designed with teachers' needs in mind, a building created with the idea of fostering professional learning along with student learning? As more schools are being updated or replaced, the opportunity exists not only to ask the question, but also to make changes that foster teacher learning.

Profiles four elementary and secondary schools from around the country that have created successful staff development programs to address an array of diversity issues common in schools nationwide. The efforts included emphasizing assessment and nonverbal techniques; pairing teachers and students on technology-based projects; emphasizing motivation…