The following principles should guide professional growth opportunities for teachers (pp. 38--64):

• The school should be the prime focus for improving professional development practices tailored to fit the needs of teachers

• The goal of professional development is change. . . Professional development programs may take a good deal of time to yield measurable results.

• Participation in professional development and selection of goals and strategies for professional growth should involve those who have a direct stake in the future of students--teachers, administrators, parents, community leaders, and students themselves.

• Knowledge about adult learning should guide the planning and implementation of staff development activities.

It is vitally important to prepare teachers to be thoughtful, reflective professionals with strong intellectual roots as well as technical skills.

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