This document discusses research on effective professional development for STEM educators. It identifies nine key characteristics of high-performing schools, including clear focus, high standards, effective leadership, collaboration, aligned curriculum and instruction, monitoring of learning, professional development, supportive learning environments, and community involvement. The document emphasizes that simply working harder is not enough; schools must implement second-order changes like professional learning communities. It provides guidance on selecting goals for structural changes, STEM content, and learning processes to guide the design of STEM professional development programs. The goals should be aimed at research-based best practices and improving student learning outcomes.