At the planning stage, teachers play multiple roles. They are learners, constantly taking classes and attending professional development sessions to learn the latest best practices and strategies for effective teaching. Many teachers regularly collaborate with one another to gain new ideas for teaching, planning grade-level instruction and combining subjects to enhance the learning experience. They analyze test results and other data to help determine the course of their instruction and make changes in their classrooms. Teachers also design lesson plans to teach the standards and provide engaging activities, while taking into account each student's interests and instructional needs.