This book focuses on what it takes to translate professional development into impressive learning gains for students. The experiences of eight award-winning schools are distilled into principles for success. This book is based on hundreds of hours of talking with teachers and administrators at the eight schools. The schools are diverse, representing a wide range of locations, sizes, and student characteristics. The schools' stories tell of students who achieve because their teachers are learners. At the heart of each school's success is an exemplary professional development program. After an introduction to the book and an overview of the eight schools, Section 1, "The Key: A Culture of Learning," discusses "Student-Centered Goals"; "An Expanded Definition of Professional Development"; "Ongoing, Job-Embedded Informal Learning"; "A Collaborative Environment"; "Time for Learning and Collaboration"; and "Checking for Results." Section 2, "A Boost from Outside," discusses "External Call to Action,""Partnerships with External Programs," and "Fiscal Resources." Section 3 offers "Implications for Site and District Leaders." The two appendixes include school profiles and information on the research study. (SM)