Sustaining Professional Learning Communities

Author : Louise Stoll,Karen Seashore Louis
Publisher : McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2007-03-16
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780335230259

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Professional Learning Communities by Louise Stoll,Karen Seashore Louis Pdf

“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.

Author : Richard DuFour,Rebecca DuFour
Publisher : Solution Tree Press
Page : 96 pages
File Size : 40,8 Mb
Release : 2009-11-01
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781934009895

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Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Workâ„¢ by Richard DuFour,Rebecca DuFour Pdf

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.

Author : Jane Bumpers Huffman,Kristine Kiefer Hipp
Publisher : R&L Education
Page : 194 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2003-10-22
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781578860531

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Reculturing Schools as Professional Learning Communities by Jane Bumpers Huffman,Kristine Kiefer Hipp Pdf

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

Author : Alan M. Blankstein,Paul D. Houston,Robert W. Cole
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 204 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Academic achievement
ISBN : 1742391052

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Sustaining Professional Learning Communities by Alan M. Blankstein,Paul D. Houston,Robert W. Cole Pdf

"A thought-provoking collection from educational visionaries, Sustaining professional learning communities is essential reading for all school leaders committed to strengthening learning environments"--Back cover.

Author : Joni K. Falk,Brian Drayton
Publisher : Teachers College Press
Page : 451 pages
File Size : 51,7 Mb
Release : 2015-04-25
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780807772140

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Creating and Sustaining Online Professional Learning Communities by Joni K. Falk,Brian Drayton Pdf

This volume presents the work of trailblazing researchers and developers of electronic communities for professional learning. It illuminates the essential work behind the scenes in building successful online communities and scaffolding site interactions, including content selection, creation and management, administrative structures, tools and interactive functionalities, the facilitation of discourse and emergent subcommunities, and the development of online leadership. While each of the authors is well versed in Web site design, new technologies, and collaborative Web tools, their work is deeply influenced and informed by scholarship which has unfolded over the last three decades about how professional learning takes place, particularly for math and science educators. The communities and authors featured provide different forms of online professional development for university professors, K–12 teachers, and administrators, among others. Their insights will be of interest to anyone designing, sustaining, or studying electronic learning environments, regardless of the specific subject matter. Contributors: Sasha A. Barab, Bertram (Chip) Bruce, Susan J. Doubler, Soo-Young Lee, Flora McMartin, Jon Obuchowski, Andee Rubin Rebecca K. Scheckler, and Wesley Shumar. “Creating and Sustaining Online Professional Learning Communities explores the varied, conflicting, productive, and unexpected ways that online communities can contribute to teacher professional development and offers concrete solutions.” —From the Foreword by Marcia C. Linn, University of California, Berkeley “There’s a lot to be learned from these insightful reflections from pioneers about designing and operating online learning communities for mathematics and science educators—as they look ‘behind the scenes’ at the human intuitions, decisions, social actions, and re-designs that have kept these communities in productive motion.” —Roy Pea, Stanford University

Author : Shirley M. Hord,James L. Roussin,William A. Sommers
Publisher : Corwin Press
Page : 241 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2009-11-24
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781412972710

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Guiding Professional Learning Communities by Shirley M. Hord,James L. Roussin,William A. Sommers Pdf

This research-based sequel to Leading Professional Learning Communities focuses on the practical process of implementing, improving, and sustaining PLCs. Appropriate for groups at all stages of PLC development, this field book helps educators improve PLC operations by facilitating individual and group development and growth. The authors provide learning opportunities that generate conversations about adult learning and contribute to supportive conditions that strengthen teacher quality and raise student outcomes.

Author : Shirley M. Hord,William A. Sommers
Publisher : Corwin Press
Page : 185 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2008-02-01
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781452294254

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Leading Professional Learning Communities by Shirley M. Hord,William A. Sommers Pdf

"Hord is the originator of the triple-headed concept of professional learning communities. Sommers is an experienced administrator and past president of the National Staff Development Council. With the authors′ extensive backgrounds in educational evaluation and the implementation of school change and development, they are uniquely equipped to delineate and defend a particular vision of professional learning communities that has educational depth, professional richness, and moral integrity." —From the Foreword by Andy Hargreaves "The most important volume available to help principals undertake the challenging yet exhilarating work of building true communities of professional learning." —Joseph Murphy, Professor Vanderbilt University "The book does not gloss over the challenges that leaders will encounter. The authors draw upon rich research evidence and personal experiences and offer many practical, proven change strategies. This is a valuable resource for any educational leader who wishes to become a ′head learner.′" —Arthur L. Costa, Professor Emeritus California State University, Sacramento "Hord and Sommers create a powerful bridge between the research base on PLCs and practitioner knowledge and action. The book′s dual focus on principles and ′rocks in the road′ provide a grounded basis for school leaders. A dog-eared copy should be in every principal′s office and in every professional developer′s tool kit." —Karen Seashore Louis, Rodney S. Wallace Professor University of Minnesota, Minneapolis "The authors′ rationale and suggestions will resonate because they come from experience and great insight. The bottom line remains steadfast for these two distinguished educators: you implement a PLC so that teachers learn and students achieve. This text will help educators reach toward that compelling vision." —Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director National Staff Development Council Imagine all professionals in all schools engaged in continuous professional learning! Current research shows a strong positive relationship between successful professional learning communities and increased student achievement. In this practical and reader-friendly guide, 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 development of an effective professional learning community (PLC). This book provides school leaders with readily accessible information to guide them in developing a PLC that supports teachers and students. The authors cover building a vision for a PLC, implementing structures, creating policies and procedures, and developing the leadership skills required for initiating and sustaining a learning community. Each chapter includes meaningful quotes from the field, "rocks in the road" and ways to overcome them, examples from real PLCs, and learning activities to reinforce chapter content. 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 Discover how you can grow a vital community of professionals who work together to increase their effectiveness and strengthen the relationship between professional learning and student learning.

Author : Giselle O. Martin-Kniep
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 245 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2007-12-04
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780787985134

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Communities that Learn, Lead, and Last by Giselle O. Martin-Kniep Pdf

Communities That Learn, Lead, and Last offers a fresh and compelling perspective while providing practical guidance for schools and districts on how to develop "professional learning communities" that serve to instill educational ideals, share wisdom, improve practice, and enhance capacity across the system. Comprised of any combination of teachers, school leaders, staff developers, district personnel, and even students, professional learning communities, as described in this book, break new ground and challenge the status quo by focusing on the reconciliation of individual and organizational expertise, vision, and needs through a variety of collaborations, activities and projects?ranging from classroom-related work to broader issues of policy, leadership, and organizational improvement. Depending on their needs, maturity, purpose, and membership, professional learning communities can be centered on learning, leading, or lasting. Showing how such communities can become the means for improving teaching and learning, as well as promote and sustain educational innovations, the book maps out the community-building essentials, providing guidance, tools, and carefully crafted rubrics.

Author : Richard DuFour,Robert Eaker
Publisher : Solution Tree Press
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2009-04-01
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781934009864

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On Common Ground by Richard DuFour,Robert Eaker Pdf

This anthology presents the recommendations of education leaders, and each chapter contributes to a sound conceptual framework and offers specific strategies for developing PLCs. These leaders have found common ground in expressing their belief in the power of PLCs although clear differences emerge regarding their perspectives on the most effective strategy for making PLCs the norm in North America.

Author : Kristine Kiefer Hipp,Jane Bumpers Huffman
Publisher : R&L Education
Page : 176 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2010-02-16
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781607090519

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Demystifying Professional Learning Communities by Kristine Kiefer Hipp,Jane Bumpers Huffman Pdf

The purpose of this book is to clearly define an approach to school improvement that uses professional learning community (PLC) practices to achieve school improvement and success for every student. This book offers information, examples and case studies to clarify the concept of a PLC, to respond to critical issues in schools, and to support educational leaders in addressing the important mandates of accountability and school improvement. As school leaders proactively lead efforts to create learning communities, their schools, districts, and staff will incorporate knowledge, skills, and practices that focus on teaching and learning for all. The authors' findings will assist leaders, change agents, policy makers, and university faculty in guiding schools toward creating and maintaining PLCs as they sustain school improvement for student learning.

Author : Steven Katz,Lorna M. Earl,Sonia Ben Jaafar
Publisher : Corwin Press
Page : 137 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 2009-09-01
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781452212357

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Building and Connecting Learning Communities by Steven Katz,Lorna M. Earl,Sonia Ben Jaafar Pdf

Networked learning communities: A powerful school improvement strategy for school leaders! Drawing on their work with schools in North America and England, the authors demonstrate how linking professional learning communities across school or district boundaries creates networked learning communities (NLCs) that can share professional knowledge. Through a sample school narrative, the book illustrates how NLCs can significantly improve instruction, increase student performance, and promote deep and sustained change. This resource examines: Collaborative inquiry as a process that challenges teachers’ thinking, generates new learning, and fosters trusting relationships Formal and informal leadership roles in NLCs How NLCs support systematic data analysis and accountability

Author : Mary Kooy,Klaas van Veen
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 295 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2012-02-27
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781136651359

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Teacher Learning That Matters by Mary Kooy,Klaas van Veen Pdf

In the continuing global call for educational reforms and change, the contributors in this edited collection address the critical issue of teacher learning from diverse national contexts and perspectives. They define "teacher learning that matters" as it shapes and directs pedagogical practices with the goal of improving student learning. This book weaves together major studies, research findings and theoretical orientations to represent a globalized network of inquiries into the what, how and why of teacher learning that shapes teacher skill and knowledge. Teacher learning matters on an international scale because teachers are the portals through which any initiative for change and reform is realized. Recognizing that a highly skilled teaching force is instrumental to improving student achievement adds import to generating interactive dialogue on teacher learning around the globe.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 210 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2005
Category : School improvement programs
ISBN : 1844784606

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Creating and Sustaining Effective Professional Learning Communities by Anonim Pdf

Author : Richard DuFour,Robert E. Eaker
Publisher : Solution Tree
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 1998
Category : Education
ISBN : 1879639602

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Professional Learning Communities at Work by Richard DuFour,Robert E. Eaker Pdf

Provides specific information on how to transform schools into results-oriented professional learning communities, describing the best practices that have been used by schools nationwide.

Author : Richard DuFour,Rebecca Dufour,Robert Eaker,Mike Mattos,Anthony Muhammad
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2021
Category : Education
ISBN : 1952812577

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Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Work by Richard DuFour,Rebecca Dufour,Robert Eaker,Mike Mattos,Anthony Muhammad Pdf

"This is the second edition of Richard DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Rebecca DuFour's sequel to their best-selling book Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement (DuFour & Eaker, 1998). A merging of research and practice, it offers leaders and educators specific, practical recommendations for transforming their schools into PLCs so their students learn at higher levels and their profession becomes more rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling"--