Professional Learning Communities

Barbara D. Culp, M.A.Ed., Ed.D. has dedicated forty-three years of her life to education as an elementary and middle school teacher, a principal, and a clinical supervisor. She founded a tutorial service for public, private, charter and parochial schools, and offers workshops and training programs on classroom management and differentiated instruction.

From novice to expert in six chapters with an emphasis on community gives readers a realistic view of how this book can guide them in their unique circumstance. This is a brilliant resource for educators and other stakeholders who are looking for innovative approaches to implement their budding PLC plans into actionable steps.

• ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionChapter 1: Lay the FoundationBuilding BlocksReflective PracticesFocus on LearningDialogShared ResponsibilityShared Values and NormsCommon PracticesFeedbackCreating a PLCCollaboration and TrustInclusiveness and Shared ResponsibilityFocus on SolutionsStep by StepSet a ScheduleSelect a FacilitatorDefine the EnvironmentBuild Your HomeRevitalize an Existing PLCPeople Come FirstInform New MembersReach OutCelebrateBuilding Blocks for a Professional Learning CommunityAn Accord to Open Every PLC MeetingQuestionnaire for Every PLC MemberQuestionnaire for the Start of New InitiativesStretches to Enhance Group ResponseStretch 1: Build It UpStretch 2: Break It DownStretch 3: Bring It TogetherStretch 4: Identify Benefits Stretch 5: Identify ChallengesStretch 6: Eliminate ObstaclesEndnotesChapter 2: Gather the GoalsThe Educational ForestFind the MicroclimatesSpecify the SpeciesHow Does Your Forest Grow?Embrace ExoticsCultivate Individual PlotsForest ManagementSlings and Arrows (Goal Sheets)Sample Goal SheetsBlank Goal SheetsGoal PromptsBroad GoalsSpecific GoalsUnique and Short-Term GoalsProfessional Learning Goals for MembersEndnotesChapter 3: Going LiveBegin at the BeginningPlanning for SuccessDevelop the ProgramTeacher PortfoliosCall on the CommunityPersonalize ImplementationCollegial ImplementationReturn to the BeginningLink the Connection PointsTeam GoalsEssential OutcomesMilestone AchievementsComparison PointsResource ListLesson Plan TemplateStudent FeedbackPortfolio TipsPersonalize the PlanEndnotesChapter 4: Assess and AdaptHow Many and How OftenAssessing the DataA Supportive ApproachAssessment FoundationTypes of AssessmentsBuilding the Formative AssessmentAvoid Assessment BiasAnalyze and Assess Prompts for Data CollectionCommon Formative AssessmentsSummative Assessment TipsAssess the AssessmentPLC Assessment for SchoolsPLC Assessment for MembersKey Markers for SuccessEndnotesChapter 5: Digital ExpansionThe Value of an Online PresenceInitial Online PresenceExpanding Your Online PresenceDocuments and FilesCollective EffortsAdapt Digital ToolsDigital Tools for the ClassroomInstant Updates and MotivationTips for SharingTips for CollaborationTips for Collective WorkAssessing Digital ToolsCommon Classroom Digital Tools Top Digital Tools for PLCsEndnotesChapter 6: Sail on CourseInformation IndigestionWilting EnthusiasmDysfunctional RolesWhy PLCs FailAvoid a Major CrisisClimate ControlBest Research PracticesRecharge the PLCTeam Trust SurveyExercises for Building TrustStorytelling hourDisplay caseDisaster day boxShare praisePhoto boardCourse AdjustmentsDistrict-wide ImpactEndnotesAppendix A: Stepping Onto the PLC HighwayRefresher 1: Lay the FoundationRefresher 2: Gather the GoalsRefresher 3: Going LiveRefresher 4: Assess and AdaptRefresher 5: Digital ExpansionRefresher 6: Sail on CourseAbout the Author