Building on extensive evidence that school-based teacher learning communities improve student outcomes, this book lays out an agenda to develop and sustain collaborative professional cultures. McLaughlin and Talbert--foremost scholars of school change and teaching contexts--provide an inside look at the processes, resources, and system strategies that are necessary to build vibrant school-based teacher learning communities.

Offering a compelling, straightforward blueprint for action, this book:

• Takes a comprehensive look at the problem of improving the quality of teaching across the United States, based on evidence and examples from the authors' nearly two decades of research.
• Demonstrates how and why school-based teacher learning communities are bottom-line requirements for improved instruction.
• Outlines the resources and supports needed to build and sustain a long-term school-based teacher professional community.
• Discusses the nature of high-quality professional development to support learning and changes in teaching.
• Details the roles and responsibilities of policymakers at all levels of the school system.