During this period, the quality and focus of education has been a topic of frequent public debate. Many government and business leaders asserted that schools were not preparing students adequately for today's workplace. This was why, they claimed, the U.S. was falling behind other nations in its competitive economic position. Unquestionably, teachers must be at the center of any effort to improve education. To do so, teachers themselves must build the capacity to change and evolve as their educational institutions undergo change.
Professional development offers teachers the opportunity for lifelong learning in their careers.
Ideally it builds upon what new teachers have learned in teacher preparation programs, and upon what other teachers have learned through years of classroom experience. All reforms involve change, and those who are willing to take part in educational reforms know they must change as well. After half a year of careful observation and planning, Fred decided there was a real need to integrate the school's vocational and academic curricula. His goal was to make the total set of course offerings more meaningful for students so they would understand why they were taking particular courses, and how the courses contributed to career choices. He also felt it was important to deliver the best content in the most effective way to all students.