Construction Zone PLC
Presenters
Brenda Thompson
Barbara Martin
Jamila Steen
Dionne Kirby
SESSION NORMS
• Actively Participate
• Engage as Learners
• Tame Technology
What is learned here leaves here!
Session Objectives
• Define a Professional Learning Community
• Identify Key Elements and Big Ideas of PLC
• Analyze Roadblocks to Effective PLC Implementation
• Implementation of High-Functioning PLCs on Campus
Compass Points
Compass Points
REFLECTION: Compass Points
What are some implications for understanding
personalities when working within a PLC?
Background Knowledge: PLC
• Define PLC
• Identify key elements of a PLC
• Identify roadblocks to implementing an effective PLC
What is a Professional Learning Community?
“We define a professional learning
community as educators committed to
working collaboratively in on-going processes
of collective inquiry and action research to
achieve better results for the students they
serve. Professional learning communities
operate under the assumption that the key to
improved learning for students is continuous,
job-embedded learning for educators.”
(DuFour, DuFour, Eaker & Many, 2006).
First Big Idea of PLCs
The fundamental purpose of the school is to ensure
all students learn at high levels.
Structures are created to ensure staff members
engage in job-embedded learning as part of their
routine work practices.
All Focused on Student Learning
Second Big Idea of PLCs
Schools cannot achieve the fundamental purpose of
learning for all if educators work in isolation.
Collaborative cultures must be built so they will work
interdependently and assume collective responsibility
for the learning of all students.
All Focused on Student Learning
Third Big Idea of PLCs
Educators need to be hungry for evidence that students are acquiring the
knowledge, skills, and dispositions identified as most important to their
success.
Schools must systematically monitor student learning
on an ongoing basis.
All Focused on Student Learning
Willow Grove Kinder PLC
ACTIONS!
All Focused on Student Learning
Revisiting Professional Learning
Communities at Work
Chapter 1
• All read pp. 13-14.
• #1 read pp. 15-17.
• #2 read pp. 18 through 1st paragraph on p. 21 (Stop at past.).
• #3 read 2nd paragraph on p. 21 (The second barrier . . .); stop at end of the Kennedy
quote (p. 24).
• #4 begins at last paragraph on p. 24 (There is no easy way . . .); stop at #6 on p. 27.
• #5 begin reading at #6 on p. 27; read to the end of the chapter.
The Instructional Coach as Facilitator
of High Functioning PLCs
View the video clip and make notes about the
work (what the team does) and about the
culture/climate of the PLC.
The Instructional Coach as Facilitator
of High Functioning PLCs
Reflection and Quick Write: Connecting what you already
know and new ideas
What are some practices/procedures you will
facilitate to support an effective PLC?
Be prepared to share!
A Pep Talk
from
Kid President to You