This article describes the collaborative efforts of the Webster Central School District in New York, USA, and the Learning Forward's Center for Results consultants, in the fall of 2010 in a focus to improve the elementary literacy program. The School District realized it was vital to have a strong, sustained foundation of professional and student learning, so they partnered to create a plan of support and professional learning to guide the literacy initiative. District and building leaders, teachers and administrators were guided by the external consultants in creating an overall vision for literacy. The use of surveys, classroom visits, informal dialogues with teachers, and the results of the Stages of Concern and Levels of Use interviews all worked seamlessly and provided a deep, clear illustration of the work. External support, carefully orchestrated by district leaders, combined with thoughtful planning and long-term professional learning has proved to be a convergence of energy and talent focused on results for teachers and students.