Cynthia A. Lassonde, Ph.D., a former elementary teacher, is associate professor of Elementary Education and Reading at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta.Susan E. Israel, Ph.D., is an independent researcher, writer, and literacy consultant. Lassonde and Israel have written many books and articles on teacher research, teaching and learning, and literacy.

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• List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits vForeword by Janice F. Almasi viiPreface ixAcknowledgments xiiiThe Authors xvThe Contributors xviiPart 1 Why Support Collaborative Research? 1Chapter 1 Improving Teacher Professional Learning 3Chapter 2 Initiating Educational Improvements 13Part 2 Building a Professional Learning Community 27Chapter 3 Understanding the Inquiry Process 29Chapter 4 Getting Started 39Chapter 5 Staying Productive 65Part 3 Collaborating Effectively 75Chapter 6 Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics 77Chapter 7 Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups 89Part 4 Model Learning Communities in Action 97Chapter 8 School-Based and Partnership Communities 99Chapter 9 Networking and Online Collaborations 119Chapter 10 A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed by Gail V. Ritchie 129Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration 145AppendixesAppendix A Tools and Templates 149Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members 150Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group 152Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents 154Tentative Agenda for Meetings 155Meeting Minutes 156Roles Signup Sheet 157Stage 3: Supporting Each Other’s Efforts and Learning 158Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities 159Ongoing Group Evaluation 160Final Reflections 162Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations 163Appendix B Reflection Questions 165Appendix C Study Group Exercises 169Appendix D Valuable Resources 171Appendix E Teacher Research Survey 173References 177Index 181

Cynthia A. Lassonde, Ph.D., a former elementary teacher, is associate professor of Elementary Education and Reading at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta.Susan E. Israel, Ph.D., is an independent researcher, writer, and literacy consultant. Lassonde and Israel have written many books and articles on teacher research, teaching and learning, and literacy.

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• List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits vForeword by Janice F. Almasi viiPreface ixAcknowledgments xiiiThe Authors xvThe Contributors xviiPart 1 Why Support Collaborative Research? 1Chapter 1 Improving Teacher Professional Learning 3Chapter 2 Initiating Educational Improvements 13Part 2 Building a Professional Learning Community 27Chapter 3 Understanding the Inquiry Process 29Chapter 4 Getting Started 39Chapter 5 Staying Productive 65Part 3 Collaborating Effectively 75Chapter 6 Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics 77Chapter 7 Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups 89Part 4 Model Learning Communities in Action 97Chapter 8 School-Based and Partnership Communities 99Chapter 9 Networking and Online Collaborations 119Chapter 10 A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed by Gail V. Ritchie 129Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration 145AppendixesAppendix A Tools and Templates 149Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members 150Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group 152Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents 154Tentative Agenda for Meetings 155Meeting Minutes 156Roles Signup Sheet 157Stage 3: Supporting Each Other’s Efforts and Learning 158Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities 159Ongoing Group Evaluation 160Final Reflections 162Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations 163Appendix B Reflection Questions 165Appendix C Study Group Exercises 169Appendix D Valuable Resources 171Appendix E Teacher Research Survey 173References 177Index 181

Cynthia A. Lassonde, Ph.D., a former elementary teacher, is associate professor of Elementary Education and Reading at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta.Susan E. Israel, Ph.D., is an independent researcher, writer, and literacy consultant. Lassonde and Israel have written many books and articles on teacher research, teaching and learning, and literacy.

Select Guide Rating

• List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits vForeword by Janice F. Almasi viiPreface ixAcknowledgments xiiiThe Authors xvThe Contributors xviiPart 1 Why Support Collaborative Research? 1Chapter 1 Improving Teacher Professional Learning 3Chapter 2 Initiating Educational Improvements 13Part 2 Building a Professional Learning Community 27Chapter 3 Understanding the Inquiry Process 29Chapter 4 Getting Started 39Chapter 5 Staying Productive 65Part 3 Collaborating Effectively 75Chapter 6 Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics 77Chapter 7 Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups 89Part 4 Model Learning Communities in Action 97Chapter 8 School-Based and Partnership Communities 99Chapter 9 Networking and Online Collaborations 119Chapter 10 A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed by Gail V. Ritchie 129Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration 145AppendixesAppendix A Tools and Templates 149Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members 150Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group 152Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents 154Tentative Agenda for Meetings 155Meeting Minutes 156Roles Signup Sheet 157Stage 3: Supporting Each Other’s Efforts and Learning 158Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities 159Ongoing Group Evaluation 160Final Reflections 162Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations 163Appendix B Reflection Questions 165Appendix C Study Group Exercises 169Appendix D Valuable Resources 171Appendix E Teacher Research Survey 173References 177Index 181