Overcome budget cuts, lack of leadership, top-down mandates, and other obstacles to professional development by using this book's take-charge approach. Joseph H. Semadeni guides you through a systemic method to professional development that: (1) Motivates teachers to continuously learn and apply best practices; (2) Makes adult learning activities as convenient as possible; (3) Eliminates the costs of expensive outside consultants and off-site meetings; (4) Rewards teachers financially for the mastery of best practices; and (5) Ensures someone with expertise within the school is always available to provide additional training and support. Learn how to combine three key elements--time, a motivational system, and teacher leadership--to generate a high-energy schoolwide improvement effort focused on: (1) Using professional learning communities to foster positive interpersonal relationships among staff members; (2) Increasing academic rigor through the use of formative assessment, goal setting, and consistent student interventions; and (3) Making learning more relevant to students by improving classroom curriculum and instruction.