(a) Staff development activities for a participant in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program shall:

1. (1) Focus on the school classroom and research-based strategies that improve student learning;
2. (2) Provide opportunities for teachers to practice and improve their instructional skills over time;
3. (3) Provide opportunities for teachers to use student data as part of their daily work to increase student achievement;
4. (4) Enhance teacher content knowledge and instructional skills;
5. (5) Align with state academic standards;
6. (6) Provide opportunities to build professional relationships, foster collaboration among principals and staff who provide instruction, and provide opportunities for teacher-to-teacher mentoring; and
7. (7) Align with the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan of the participant.

(b) Staff development activities for participants in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program may include:

1. (1) Curriculum development and curriculum training programs; and
2. (2) Activities that provide teachers and other staff members training to enhance teacher, team, and school performance.