Effective professional development can support efforts to increase rigor in one's school. From the authors' research on the schools that won the U.S. Department of Education's Award for Staff Development, they found seven key characteristics that were apparent in staff development at these schools: (1) A clear purpose that is linked to research, student data, goals, and needs; (2) Accountability for implementation in the classroom and effect on student learning; (3) A common, shared language; (4) Decision making that is shared with teachers; (5) Relevant, practical, hands-on activities; (6) Opportunities for follow-up and application; and (7) Strong leadership and a positive, collegial atmosphere. Professional development that weaves the seven characteristics together will strengthen your efforts to create a rigorous school environment. In this article, the authors detail each characteristic and recommend using their PRESS (Purpose; Relationships and connections; Expected Outcomes; Steps to take; Support needed) Forward model to help you design a plan that has a clear purpose, is related and connected to other aspects of your school community, has a set of clear outcomes and action steps, and describes the support that is needed to be successful. The authors conclude that a commitment to professional growth characterizes the most effective schools. As you work with your teachers to make your school more rigorous, one of the most valuable tools is a focused, standards-based, high-quality professional development program. (Contains 1 figure.)