Reculturing Schools as Professional Learning Communities

Reculturing Schools as Professional Learning Communities PDF Author: Jane Bumpers Huffman
Publisher: R&L Education
ISBN: 1461653827
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 195

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Book Description
This important work documents and examines evidence of efforts taking place in rural, urban, and suburban Pre-K-12 schools that are actively engaged in creating professional learning communities (PLCs). Literature is reviewed that defines and identifies the distinguishing dimensions of PLCs. A five-year, federally funded research study is explained including the methodology and demographics of the six study schools and a synthesis of the 64 interviews. A PLC organizer (PLCO) is introduced, which realigns with Shirley Hord's original 1997 research. The organizer provides the framework to explain the five PLC dimensions and related critical attributes. The PLCO also merges Fullan's model, Phases of Change (1985), which includes initiation, implementation, and institutionalization. The authors provide extensive evidence of the progressive development of a PLC from initiation to implementation using exemplars and non-exemplars from interviews that either hinder or facilitate creating and sustaining PLCs. A new assessment tool, the Professional Learning Community Assessment (PLCA), is also presented and can be used for diagnosis and evaluation of schools as they work toward school reform efforts. Readers are also presented with information that connects professional learning community work to a new approach to school improvement. Five case studies are included that can be used in schools and university classrooms for the purpose of engaging educators in reflection, open dialogue, problem finding, and problem solving. This first-hand documented information provides readers with unique issues as they wrestle with the challenges of transforming schools into organizations that meet diverse students needs. Lessons learned from this problem-based learning can easily transfer to the readers' own experiences and schools. The authors conclude by highlighting significant findings, reviewing the most recent related research that addresses sustaining such efforts, and offering suggestions for school leaders to

Reculturing Schools as Professional Learning Communities

Reculturing Schools as Professional Learning Communities PDF Author: Jane Bumpers Huffman
Publisher: R&L Education
ISBN: 1461653827
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 195

Get Book

Book Description
This important work documents and examines evidence of efforts taking place in rural, urban, and suburban Pre-K-12 schools that are actively engaged in creating professional learning communities (PLCs). Literature is reviewed that defines and identifies the distinguishing dimensions of PLCs. A five-year, federally funded research study is explained including the methodology and demographics of the six study schools and a synthesis of the 64 interviews. A PLC organizer (PLCO) is introduced, which realigns with Shirley Hord's original 1997 research. The organizer provides the framework to explain the five PLC dimensions and related critical attributes. The PLCO also merges Fullan's model, Phases of Change (1985), which includes initiation, implementation, and institutionalization. The authors provide extensive evidence of the progressive development of a PLC from initiation to implementation using exemplars and non-exemplars from interviews that either hinder or facilitate creating and sustaining PLCs. A new assessment tool, the Professional Learning Community Assessment (PLCA), is also presented and can be used for diagnosis and evaluation of schools as they work toward school reform efforts. Readers are also presented with information that connects professional learning community work to a new approach to school improvement. Five case studies are included that can be used in schools and university classrooms for the purpose of engaging educators in reflection, open dialogue, problem finding, and problem solving. This first-hand documented information provides readers with unique issues as they wrestle with the challenges of transforming schools into organizations that meet diverse students needs. Lessons learned from this problem-based learning can easily transfer to the readers' own experiences and schools. The authors conclude by highlighting significant findings, reviewing the most recent related research that addresses sustaining such efforts, and offering suggestions for school leaders to

Getting Started

Getting Started PDF Author: Robert Eaker
Publisher: Solution Tree Press
ISBN: 1934009873
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
Get answers to the most common question posed by educators seeking to build and sustain a PLC: Where do we begin? Access a solid conceptual framework and concrete illustrations of how schools operate when they are functioning as PLCs. Two case studies examine schools that have made the transformation, showcasing district- and curriculum-level efforts to focus on student learning.

Getting Started

Getting Started PDF Author: Robert E. Eaker
Publisher: Solutions
ISBN: 9781879639898
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Getting Started: Reculturing Schools to Become Professional Learning Communities answers the question most often asked by schools that are seeking to transform themselves into professional learning communities.

Getting Started

Getting Started PDF Author: Robert E. Eaker
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781741708677
Category : Educational change
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description


Professional Learning Communities: Divergence, Depth And Dilemmas

Professional Learning Communities: Divergence, Depth And Dilemmas PDF Author: Stoll, Louise
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335220304
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
This work aims to deepen conceptions and understanding of professional learning communities, as well as highlighting frequently neglected complexities and challenges. It is for 'thinking' professionals internationally, be they practitioners (within and supporting schools), policymakers, academics or research students.

Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Workâ„¢

Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Workâ„¢ PDF Author: Richard DuFour
Publisher: Solution Tree Press
ISBN: 193400989X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
This 10th-anniversary sequel to the authors’ best-selling book Professional Learning Communities at WorkTM: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement merges research, practice, and passion. The most extensive, practical, and authoritative PLC resource to date, it goes further than ever before into best practices for deep implementation, explores the commitment/consensus issue, and celebrates successes of educators who are making the journey.

Global Perspectives

Global Perspectives PDF Author: Timothy S. Stuart
Publisher: Solution Tree
ISBN: 9781942496809
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Transform your school into a high-performing, student-centered PLC. Tailored specifically to international schools, this resource will guide you through every aspect of PLC implementation. The book's contributors are all international-school educators with firsthand experience successfully reculturing their schools into PLCs. They offer real-world examples, strategies, and techniques to bring unparalleled professional growth to international teachers. Each chapter includes research-based recommendations for and authentic examples of systemic PLC implementation. Benefits Define the professional learning community process and understand how third culture kids can particularly benefit from PLCs. Shift from a teacher-focused school to a learning-focused culture. Understand the strengths and challenges of implementing PLCs in already high-performing schools. Learn to work in collaborative teams across grade levels, departments, and courses. Create a guaranteed, viable curriculum for the unique characteristics of international school students. Contents Introduction Making the Case for Professional Learning Communities in International Schools 1 Building a PLC Culture in International Schools--A Superintendent's Perspective 2 Understanding the International School Student 3 Understanding the International School Teacher 4 Creating a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum in International Schools 5 Creating a Learning-Focused International School 6 Creating an Inclusive International School 7 Harnessing the Potential of Singleton Teachers in International Schools 8 Building a Progressive International School 9 Learning from the Jakarta Intercultural School Story 10 Transforming the Singapore American School Index

Professional Learning Communities

Professional Learning Communities PDF Author: Louise Stoll
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335230253
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
“All who are interested and concerned about educational reform and the improvement of schools will find this book a must read. It stimulates, it challenges, and it informs, such that the reader is most surely enriched by its plenitude.” Dr Shirley Hord, Scholar Emerita “At last we have a book of international cases to add to the literature on networks! Policymakers and practitioners alike will find the reasons why networks are fast becoming the reform organizations of choice. The book elevates network understanding to a new level.” Ann Lieberman, Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundationfor the Advancement of Teaching What is a professional learning community? What are the key challenges facing these communities and how might they be resolved? Is it time to extend our thinking about professional learning communities? There is great interest internationally in the potential of professional learning communities for enhancing educational reform efforts and sustaining improvement. This international collection expands perceptions and understanding of professional learning communities, as well as highlighting frequently neglected complexities and challenges. Drawing on research, each chapter offers a deeper understanding of topics such as distributed leadership, dialogue, organisational memory, trust, self-assessment and inquiry, and purpose linked to learning. The last section of the book focuses upon three of the most challenging dilemmas that face developing professional learning communities - developing professional learning communities in secondary school, building social capital, and sustaining professional learning communities. The authors provide pointers on why these challenges exist, offering rays of hope for ways forward. Professional Learning Communities is key international reading for education professionals, school practitioners, policymakers, academics and research students. It is a must-read for anyone interested in building capacity for sustainable learning and the ability to harness your community as a resource for change.

Schools as Professional Learning Communities

Schools as Professional Learning Communities PDF Author: Sylvia M. Roberts
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 9781412968942
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description
"Roberts and Pruitt offer practical advice to educators who seek to address one of the greatest obstacles to creating effective schools: how to get school staff to collaborate and learn from each other. Their insights and suggestions are smart, useful, and demonstrate a genuine understanding of how schools work."--Pedro A. Noguera, Executive DirectorMetropolitan Center for Urban Education, New York UniversityYour one-stop sourcebook for building a professional learning community in your school More and more educational leaders are turning to the collaborative learning community model to create school change and improvement. This practical resource offers research-based activities and strategies for providing professional learning opportunities that lead to the building of community in schools as well as improved learning outcomes for both teachers and students. Ideal for school leaders and staff developers, this updated bestseller examines the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful leader of learners and provides helpful tips, real-life classroom vignettes, and insights into effective teamwork. The authors help administrators lead staff in: Learning through study groups, shared leadership, and professional portfoliosPerforming collaborative student assessments and classroom observationReexamining their beliefs and assumptions through reflective activitiesWith the latest information on e-portfolios, coaching, emotional intelligence, and more, this proven professional development approach gives leaders the tools they need to implement a culture of collaboration that can transform entire schools

Leading Professional Learning Communities

Leading Professional Learning Communities PDF Author: Shirley M. Hord
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1452207887
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 185

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Book Description
Imagine all professionals in all schools engaged in continuous professional learning! Education experts Shirley M. Hord and William A. Sommers explore the school-based learning opportunities offered to school professionals and the principal's critical role in the creation, development, and support of an effective professional learning community (PLC). This book provides school leaders with readily accessible information to guide them in initiating and developing a PLC that supports teachers and students. Using field-tested examples, the text illustrates how this research-based school improvement model can help educators: Increase leadership capacity Embed professional development into daily work Create a positive school culture Develop accountability Boost student achievement