1. Best Practices in a PLC Solution Proposal for Oak Tree Middle School Created By: Nicole Meredith

2. Overview of Problem Staff Rapport has declined Teachers are struggling to keep up Increase in discipline referrals Educationland.com

3. Professional Learning Communities What the research shows… “strong improvement in math, reading, and writing scores” (Thessin & Starr, 2011) “Failure rates dropped by 50%” (Hinnemann, 2007) “SAT scores increased 103%” (Hinneman, 2007) Oklahoma State University

4. Culture When school cultures are cold and negative, a total reformation needs to occur within the school before teachers are willing to modify their instruction (Edgerson & Kritsonis, 2006).

5. Building Trust Between Administration and Teachers Among Colleagues With the Community Lifeandtimesofmsellis.blogspot.com

6. Administration’s Role Establishing trust builds relationships among colleagues.

7. Evidence Teachers who actively engage in a PLC raise student scores. Changing culture does take time and does not happen over night. It’s an ongoing, learning experience..

8. Trial by Error Stamforn Public Schools, CT San Clemente High School, CA Both learned the following: Teachers need to be data driven Teachers need guidance Job Embedded time

9. Step by step outline of Proposal Three Recommendations Eaccessibility2020.com

10. 1 st Recommendation Build positive professional relationships with all staff.

11. 2 nd Recommendation Job Embedded Time for Collaboration Guide teachers through this process Anotherway.org

12. 3 rd Recommendation Distribute Leadership Responsibilities

13. Will this work? Building professional relationships Job-embedded collaboration time ◦ Guidance for teachers during these times Central focus is on student outcomes Freeimagesarchive.com

14. References: DuFour, R. (2011). Work together but only if you want to. Kappan Magazine. 92(5). 57-61. DuFour, R., DuFour, R., & Eaker, R., (2005). On Common Ground: The Power of Professional Learning Communities. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press. Edgerson, D. & Kritsonis, W., (2006). Analysis of the influence of principal- Teacher relationships on student academic achievement: A national focus. Retrieved from http://www.allthingsplc.info/pdf/articles/analysisoftheinfluenceofprincipal.pd f Hinnmann, C. (2007). Developing a substantive professional learning community. National Forum of Education Administration and Supervision Journal. 24(1). Siguroardottir, A. (2010). Professional learning community in relation to school effectiveness. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research. 54(5), 395- 412. Retrieved from Research Education Complete database. Thessin, R. & Starr, J., (2011). Supporting the growth of effective professional learning communities. Kappan Magazine, 92(6), 48-54. Retrieved from Research Education Complete database.