Description
Book SynopsisA Professional Learning Community is undeniably one of the most effective processes out there for improving student achievement, as well a school's overarching culture and climate. With such widespread notoriety, though, there has been a dilution of the true essence of the term. Understanding of what a Professional Learning Community is varies from one district to another, from one school to another, even from one educator to another. It's about time for a resurrection. Reviving Professional Learning Communities does exactly that through the lens of a simple framework called, the 4S Approach. This new development helps practitioners build thriving learning communities through: (1) recognition and validation of each staff member's unique points of view, (2) natural conflict that accompanies the assorted viewpoints, (3) healthy teamwork, and (4) effective systems. Sprinkled throughout the book are also 32 practical, high-leverage strategies that are easy to understand and simple to put i
Trade ReviewFrom three experts in PLCs comes some sage advice about the meaning of Professional Learning Communities and the strategies for attaining them. It is in the latter endeavor, strategies, that these three authors make their most important contribution to the literature on school leadership. It is easy to tell you that you must establish teamwork, for instance, but much more difficult to give you real, practical suggestions for doing so. They have accomplished this in spades. A must read for all principals and aspiring school leaders. -- Thomas Harvey, author of Checklist for Change;The Practical Decision Maker;Building Teams, Building People;The Politically Intelligent Leader; Resistance to Change
In this era of innovation and accountability, it is critical for our educational leaders to develop expert skills in forming professional learning teams. Ultimately, this work translates into a clearer sense of mission, more effective methods of delivery in the classroom and stronger educational programs for our students. Reviving Professional Learning Communities is the right blend of research, practice and personal experience by the authors. A strong understanding of the four elements of Standpoint, Struggle, Solidarity, and Structure provides a great framework to move a professional team from theory to practice. This work provides practical steps for implementation and should be an essential addition to any educator’s professional library. -- Arturo Delgado, Superintendent, Los Angeles County Office of Education
Table of ContentsDedication Foreword by Dr. Kristine Hipp & Dr. Jane Huffman Acknowledgements Preface 1. The Interview 2. A Brief History of Professional Learning Communities Part I: Standpoint 3. A Double-Edged Sword 4. Somber Stances 5. Strategies for Standpoint Part II: Struggle 6. May Day! Mayday! 7. Stakes and Standpoints 8. Strategies for Struggle Part III: Solidarity 9. Room Numbers 10. The Four Key Foundations 11. Strategies for Solidarity Part IV: Structure 12. The Chicken or the Egg? 13. Levels of Professional Learning Community Effectiveness 14. Strategies for Structure 15. The 4S Learning Community Assessment (4S-LCA) 16. You’re Hired! Bibliography About the Authors
