This article is for practicing or aspiring school administrators. The demand for excellence in public education has lead to an emphasis on standardized test scores. This article explores the development of a professional enhancement program designed to prepare teachers to teach higher order thinking skills. Higher order thinking is the primary focus of many state and national tests that are mandated. Teachers play a crucial role in preparing students to be thinkers. Institutions of higher learning must evaluate their instructional practices to ensure that teachers are prepared to meet the new challenges of standardized testing. Additionally, principals, as instructional leaders, need to understand higher order thinking skills and how to assist teachers in their development of this teaching practice. The Gallagher Aschner model of questioning students is explored as a preliminary means to begin the development of higher order thinking skills. Suggestions for professional development around the use of this method are presented.
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