Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement

This book offers recommendations for those who seek to transform their school into a professional learning community as characterized by an environment fostering mutual cooperation, emotional support, personal growth, and a synergy of efforts. References to and brief summaries of standards for curriculum, teacher preparation, school leadership, professional development programs, school-parent partnerships, and assessment practices are included along with sample vision statements. Chapter 1 provides an overview of reform efforts during the second half of the 20th century and emphasizes the Excellence Movement of the 1980s and Restructuring Movement of the 1990s. Chapter 2 contrasts the model of the traditional school environment with that of a professional learning community. Chapter 3 examines the change process and contradictions found in the research. Chapters 4 and 5 examine the four building blocks: mission, vision, values, and goals. Chapter 6 emphasizes the value of communication in sustaining improvement initiatives. Chapter 7 discusses assimilation of change into the culture of a school. Chapter 8 discusses how curriculum is addressed, and the need for teacher participation. Chapters 9, 10, and 11 examine the roles of principals, teachers, and parents. Chapter 12 describes staff development practices. Chapter 13 stresses the need for patience and persistence when attempting change. (Contains 170 references.) (RIB)