1. Professional Learning Communities
Module One:
Foundations of PLC

2. Objectives
Conceptual Framework
Correlates of Effective Schools Lezotte
DuFour, Eaker, & DuFour
Hord
Hipp & Huffman
3. Correlates of Effective Schools
Initiated by Coleman in 1966 with the publication of The Equal Educational Opportunity Survey
Identified the potential impact of family factors (poverty & parental educational level) on student achievement
Led to the creation of compensatory models of education such as Title I to address potential limitations
4. Correlates of Effective Schools
Instructional Leadership of the Principal
Clear and Focused Mission
Safe and Orderly Environment
Climate of High Expectations
Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress
Positive Home-School Relations
Opportunity to Learn & Student Time on Task
5. Three Levels of Responsibility
School Level
Teacher Level
Student Level
Marzano, 2003
6. On Common Ground
To create a professional learning community, focus on learning rather than teaching, work collaboratively, and hold yourself accountable for results."
DuFour (2004)
7. Big Idea #1
Ensuring Students Learn
8. A Culture of Collaboration
Big Idea #2
9. Big Idea #3
A Focus on Results
10. Dimensions of PLCs
Shared values and vision
Shared, supportive leadership
Collective learning and application
Supportive conditions
Shared personal practice
11. Shared Values and Vision
The shared vision, mission, and goals that the staff members see as their common purpose.
Shirley Hord (2008)
12. Shared and Supportive Leadership
Shared power, authority, and decision-making
13. Collective Learning and Application
(1)Collaboratively examine student learning and data to plan differentiated instruction based on student needs.
(2)Collaboratively examine professional growth needs to intentionally plan professional learning.
14. Supportive ConditionsRelationships and Structures
Provide the structural and relational supports required to sustain PLC practices.
15. Shared Practice
On a foundation of trust, teachers work together to examine personal practices.
16. Table Activity: PLC Chart
Find the envelope on the left hand side of your folder labeled Traditional v. PLC.
Find the handout #1 with the two columns labeled Traditional v. PLC.
Categorize the labels from the envelope into the columns on Handout #1.
17. PLCsTraditional v.PLC
18. PLCs Traditionalv.PLC
19. PLCs Traditionalv.PLC
20. Reflection
What are the implications PLCs on your personal practices?
What are two benefits that you see from moving toward PLCs?
What are two concerns that you have about toward PLCs?