Research that says that professional development is most effective when it aims to create professional learning communities as places where teachers learn and work together to apply research to improving student achievement. By providing ongoing professional development and support for teachers, McREL can help you create professional learning communities in your school or district. This is ideal for large districts with logistical difficulties and widely dispersed rural districts. OLCs are not just online tutorials; they include both synchronous and asynchronous cooperative learning opportunities that engage learners and build collective efficacy. See a demonstration video of an OLC at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VJ_D-yVjjw.