Book excerpt: This document presents, as part of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, witness testimony and prepared statements on the subject of professional development in the elementary and secondary school systems. Witnesses included Rhode Island (RI) elementary and secondary school principals and teachers, officials from the RI Department of Education, U.S. congressional members, and commissioners and superintendents of schools. Among the attendees were Daniel F. Casey, Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of RI; elementary school principal Robert J. Britto; Edward Eddy, Chairman, Providence Blueprint for Education; Peter McWalters, Commissioner, RI, Department of Education; and Arthur Zarrella, Superintendent, Providence Public Schools. Prepared statements are also included from RI's U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell and Congressman Jack Reed. (GLR)