This research broadly focuses on two distinct concerns: the first relates to what constitutes high-quality professional learning; and the second relates to the implementation of professional learning at the classroom level. This paper addresses each of these concerns by identifying the features of effective professional learning: focus, learning components, feedback, collaborative practices, temporal elements and coherence. The analysis of the three-case study schools suggests that the greatest benefit of system-based professional learning is the level of coherence it can provide.