The Sweet Spot in Professional Learning: When student learning goals and educator performance standards align, everything is possible. By Joellen Killion and Jacqueline Kennedy When student content standards and educator performance standards intersect and are surrounded with accountability and support systems that create the conditions for high degrees of educator and student learning, a sweet spot emerges for professional learning. In this sweet spot, educators have the best leverage for making the most important decisions about professional learning: its content and outcomes. What’s Best for our Students? Outcomes are the driving force at one high-achieving elementary school. By Cathy Kinzer and Laura Taft Teachers at Monte Vista Elementary School in Las Cruces, N.M., are developing knowledge and skills for effective teaching through collegial classroom experiences,