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

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 All Focused on Student Learning ACTIONS! OUTCOMES! WORDS!

Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Work Chapter 1 All read pp #1 read pp #2 read pp. 18 through 1 st paragraph on p. 21 (Stop at past.). #3 read 2 nd 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