professional learning communities session 1 rainier elementary november 10, 2009
TRANSCRIPT
A community of learners
• From myself, I need . . . • From others, I need . . .
• From my facilitators I need . . .
Session Overview
• Part I: Exploration of Purpose and Vision
• Part II: Essential Conditions
• Part III: Culture and Climate
Today’s Learning Targets
Outcomes and Targets• Application of “Four Questions”
to leadership role• Team shared description of how
PLCs fit in your improvement efforts
• Determine prioritized essential conditions
• Explore impact of culture and climate on PLCs
Vision for PLC
Clearly articulate how PLC fits within your school improvement plans.
What is your purpose for your PLCs?
Assessment- Can most staff articulate why you are working as PLCs? Can they describe what you are working toward?
Vision for PLC• Team Activities (You choose)-• Develop a graphic ‘road map’ that describes
your PLC’s planned journey.• Create a purpose statement to share with
staff (Purpose of PLC).
Conditions for a Cultural Shift
Conditions for PLCs to “grow” need structural and collaborative changes.
“Restructuring can facilitate the process and is often a prequisite for moving forward, but merely changing the structures is never sufficient in creating PLCs.” DuFour
Conditions for PLCsStructures
Size of the schoolProximity of staff to one another
Communication systems and avenuesTime to meetSpace to meet
Processes for removing barriers (decision making)
A written SIP (Mission, Vision and Goals) that includes a focus on student learning
Formal Interdependent teaching roles (grade level meetings)Teaming opportunities
Formal Shared Leadership (Leadership Team)
Collaboration
Respect Trust
NormsContinuous Inquiry
Positive Socialization (New Staff)
Reflective dialogueOpennessJoint work
Shared purpose
What are your conditions?Structural Collaborative
Support Work in Progress
Priorities (3)
Support Work in Progress
Priorities (3)
Culture in a PLC
A disposition toward reflective practice, a willingness to change and a collective culture of high expectations are critical to lasting improvement.
What is your culture of your PLC?
Assessment- PLC Readiness Survey or Tracking Cultural Shifts in a PLC
Changing Personality
• Exploring Christmas Carol…What does it take to change Scrooge’s Personality? (Or anyone’s for that matter?)
• What are the parallels for shifting school climate?
Homework…
• Plan for all staff to complete the PLC readiness survey (online).– How will you find the time?– Encourage engagement?– Clarify understanding of critical concepts?
• We will engage in a data analysis protocol next session.