In other words, for each strategy, the SSIs that used that strategy were rated on how well it was implemented. Third, it was more difficult to rate SSIs on some of the strategies than on others. For example, there is little hard information in most cases about the effectiveness of SSI strategies to mobilize public and professional opinion. As a result, ratings on that SSI strategy are more difficult to make with accuracy than on most of the other strategies. Therefore, this paper focuses on ratings of the SSI strategies .
Professional development is important if reform is to succeed.
Delivering high-quality profes sional development is something that we as a nation know how to do at least for those teachers who are interested and when there are sufficient funds. The SSIs typically used a mixed professional development strategy, and at least 9 employed all three approaches. In spite of the strong efforts made by the SSIs, the professional development system , such as it is including state, district, and school policies related to professional development is in need of restructuring. As long as professional development systems in the states remain unchanged, the SSIs, and the states, will face difficult trade-offs between working with large numbers of teachers superficially or working with small numbers intensively. Instructional materials are basic to what happens in schools.