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

The book that launched a school improvement movement offers research-based recommendations drawn from the best practices found in schools nationwide for continuously improving school performance. Coming from the perspectives of both a distinguished dean of education and one of America's most widely acclaimed practitioners, this resource provides specific, practical how-to information about transforming schools into results-oriented PLCs. Benefits:Initiate, implement, and sustain a change process. Work collaboratively to design an effective research-based curriculum. Choose appropriate assessment models. Create meaningful partnerships with parents. Establish effective workplace-based professional development programs. Overcome the common mistakes you may face as you work toward change. Contents: Chapter 1: The Disappointment of School Reform Chapter 2: A New Model: The Professional Learning Community Chapter 3: The Complexity of the Change Process Chapter 4: Building the Foundation of a Professional Learning Community: Mission and Vision Chapter 5: Building the Foundation of a Professional Learning Community: Values and Goals Chapter 6: Sustaining the School Improvement Process Chapter 7: Embedding Change in the Culture of a School Chapter 8: Planning for Learning: Curricular Focus in a Learning Community Chapter 9: The Role of the Principal in a Professional Learning Community Chapter 10: Teaching in a Professional Learning Community Chapter 11: The Role of Parents in a Professional Learning Community Chapter 12: Staff Development in a Professional Learning Community Chapter 13: Passion and Persistence Appendix A: Sample Vision Statements Appendix B: Curriculum Standards, Models, and Concepts Read more