Professional Learning Communities Essay - 2717 Words

INTRODUCTION Traditionally, teacher development typically occurs through trial and error in the isolated confinements of each teacher’s classroom with some periodic whole-group professional development (Goddard Goddard, 2007). Within the past few decades, many schools and districts, including ours, have considered and experimented with Professional Learning Communities (PLC) as an alternative framework in guiding a more efficient development program for their teachers. PLCs are focused on enhancing student learning through developing teacher practices. The concept of PLC relies on using structured collaborative sessions amongst teachers within the school to build internal capacity. Through PLCs, teachers critically reflect on current†¦show more content†¦In schools with higher percentages of effective teachers, the impact of PLCs on student achievement will be greater. In this memo, I analyze the PLC logic of action by examining critical assumptions in the model, review empirical studies on PLC effectiveness, and end with recommendations for the district. I. LOGIC OF ACTION ANALYSIS As the logic of action model (figure 1) shows, implementing PLCs in schools and districts can ultimately lead to improved student outcomes. First, by reforming the current culture around professional development and aligning teacher planning periods according to grade and subject, teachers will be able to attend PLC meetings consistently. Following this step, there are two different routes in the logic model that both work to increase teaching quality within the school. The combination of the effects from both strands will then amplify improvements in student outcomes. The first route (on the left of figure 1), which is applicable to any school, new or well-established, is based on the theory that increased motivation and work satisfaction will lead to better teaching − happier employees produce better work. In addition, it can also improve teacher retention rates. Schools can expect to observe lowered teacher attrition rates, lowered hiring costs and less teacher replacement training. The second route (on the right of figure 1) is most effective for schools withShow MoreRelatedProfessional Learning Communities2747 Words   |  11 Pagesthat proves to lead towards student learning and higher achievement including strong leadership, clear and shared mission, vision, values, and goals, collective inquiry, action oriented, collaborative teams that work interdependently, a focus on student learning and results oriented. These ideas are represented within a Professional Learning Community (PLC). To become a PLC, a staff must make changes in their actions and work together focusing on student learning. PLC’s have evolved out of failedRead MoreProfessional Learning Communities : The Mentor812 Words   |  4 PagesProfessional Learning Communities: The Mentor The mind of education has changed in the last few years to get away from teachers working alone in isolation to a new idea of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). In contrast to the traditional paradigm of professional development in which teachers attend off-site workshops and conferences that may or may not inspire them to change their thinking or instruction, the Professional Learning Community (PLC) involves teachers in site-based, ongoing,Read MoreProfessional Learning Communities : A Teacher s Perspective1013 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"McLaughlin and Talbert (2006) defined professional learning communities as â€Å"[organizational structures in which] teachers work collaboratively to reflect on their practice, examine evidence about the relationship between practice and student outcomes, and make changes that improve teaching and learning for the particular students in their classes† (pp. 3–4).† (Teague, 2012, pg. 58) This quote explains what I person ally think of professional learning communities should be and what areas they shouldRead MoreA Study on Professional Learning Communities737 Words   |  3 PagesProfessional Learning Communities Abstract PLC means professional learning communities which are set up by teachers in order to help the students who seem to be lagging behind the others academically. This is a way to reach out to the students on a more personal level, where they get to interact not only with the books, but also with the teachers who are able to guide them by recognizing their strengths and their weaknesses. This form of assistance goes a long way in assisting the student developRead MoreWhat Is a Professional Learning Community1145 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is a Professional Learning Community? NaKishia D. Glenn Gardner-Webb University Abstract Throughout this paper you will be able to gain more knowledge on what a Professional Learning Community (PLC) is. I will explore two different areas: general characteristics of PLCs and the big ideas that are associated with them. I will refer to different types of students throughout this paper. When I mention high achievers I will be referring to those are students whose test scores put them in theRead MoreTeaching And Professional Learning Communities882 Words   |  4 PagesFurthermore, our class on Professional Learning Communities (PLC) also had a great impact on me as an instructional coach. One of my responsibilities each week is to lead teachers in PLC. As stated previously, last year was my first year in this new role. My partner left the district very late in the summer and we were unable to find a replacement so I was doing the job of two people. I wasn’t sure how PLC was supposed to be structured and I didn’t have anyone to lean on for support, so I di dRead MoreProfessional Learning Communities Of Educators4217 Words   |  17 Pages Optimising professional learning communities in education for the creation, dissemination and transfer of innovative pedagogies. The aim of the research is to provide recommendations to teacher educators on the most effective ways to facilitate the development and dissemination of innovative educational practice through professional learning communities of educators. The objectives of the study are to: †¢ Evidence the development, dissemination and transfer of innovative educational practiceRead MoreHigh School And Community Professionalism1335 Words   |  6 PagesHigh School on March 23, 2017. My main focus will be on the school and community professional branch of West Chester University’s Conceptual Framework. My idea of ‘school and community professionalism’ has changed drastically since starting observations at Kennett High School. Initially, my thoughts on professionalism considered one side of the educational equation: teachers. It was my belief that teachers uphold the professional standards of the school; which is partially true. Teachers are responsibleRead MoreCollaborative And Collegial Practices Focused On Improving Instructional Practice And Student Learning1328 Words   |  6 PagesInstructional Practice and Student Learning According to Danielson (2011), criterion 8 of the Danielson framework is part of the TPEP (Teacher/Principal Evaluation Pilot) structure that focuses on the professional practices and how teachers participate collaboratively in the educational community to improve instruction, and ultimately student growth. It is an important focus because it promotes student learning, showing that teachers must work with their colleagues to share learning techniques, arrange collectiveRead MoreSupervisory Platform and Evaluation System694 Words   |  3 PagesIn any school, student learning is the ultimate goal and the focus of an effective learning community. In today’s society, the education system is called upon to teach all students at high levels. It has been established through significant research that teachers have a high impact on student learning, according to the RAND Corporation, â€Å"research suggests that, among school-related factors, teachers matter most. When it comes to s tudent performance on reading and math tests, a teacher is estimated