Full Description
"We successfully used the first edition and are especially excited about this revision, with updated journal designs and a CD-ROM. Now we have digital access and can easily share files and archive our efforts."
—Aminda Gentile, Director
UFT Teacher Centers
Increase the power of professional learning communities through the use of structured journaling.
Educators working together in learning communities share a common objective: to develop broader and deeper understandings about the work that they do. As professionals, these participants look for opportunities to reflect on research and consider new practices that will impact student learning
In Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities, international consultant Mary E. Dietz demonstrates five types of structured journals expressly tailored to the scope and purpose of professional learning communities (PLCs). Each of the journals in this groundbreaking guide follows a clearly defined four-step process—purpose, focus, process, and outcome—and provides a framework that promotes collaboration, continuous learning, and improved student achievement.
The standard PLC Journal supports a collaborative effort focused on facilitating school reform. The School Portfolio Journal aids those convened to study individual schools and their benefits. The Action Research Journal builds teachers' skills as researchers, and the Professional Performance Portfolio supports the development of highly qualified teachers. Finally, the PLC Instructional Planning Journal helps participants align professional development with instructional priorities. With each journal type, the author includes:
Step-by-step instructions for using structured journals
Illustrations of the four-step journaling process
Case studies drawn from actual experiences with educators and school communities
Opportunities for PLC participants to consider new practices that can boost student learning
A section devoted to reflection and conversation
This comprehensive resource provides teachers, administrators, and other PLC members with powerful support for change and growth. The book and accompanying CD-ROM include helpful hints and strategies, a learning communities readiness rubric, implementation tools, and blank journal templates.
Contents
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
The Purpose of PLC Journals
How to Use This Book and CD
Guiding Principles for Continuous Professional Learning
The Learning Cycle of Professional Development
Learning Communities Readiness Rubric
1. Professional Learning Communities at Work
Building Learning Communities in Schools
The Importance of Conversation and Building Relationships
Essential Qualities and Roles of Learning Community Members
Facilitating Learning Communities
2. Professional Learning Community Journal: Facilitating School Reform
Background of Professional Learning Communities
How to Use the PLC School Reform Journal to Inform Planning
Case Study: PLC School Reform Journal
School Reform Wrap-up
3. Action Research Journal: Teacher as Researcher
Background of Action Research
How to Use the Action Research Journal
Case Study: Action Research Journal
Action Research Wrap-up
4. District Portfolio of Schools: Constructing a School Portfolio
Background of the School Portfolio
How to Use the School Portfolio Journal
Case Study: School Portfolio Journal
School Portfolio Wrap-up
5. Professional Performance Journal: The Highly Qualified Teacher
Background of Professional Growth and Performance
How to Use the Professional Performance Journal
Case Study: Professional Performance Journal
Professional Performance Wrap-up
6. Professional Development Journal: Aligning With Instructional Priorities
Background of Professional Development
How to Use the Professional Development Journal
Case Study: Professional Development Journal
Professional Development Wrap-up
Guides and Resources for Professional Learning Communities
PLC Resource Matrix
Systems Planning Model
Organizers for the System Planning Model
A Guide for Active Listening
Guide for Professional Collaboration
Thoughtful Questions for Learning Communities
Worksheet for Defining Purpose and Priorities
School Portfolio Survey
A Strategy for Determining Priorities for School Change
Student Profile Checklist
Professional Portfolios: Types and Purposes
A Guide for Listening
Directions for Coaching Triads
Banner Questions Guide
Professional Development Checklist
A List of Facilitation Strategies
Journal Templates
Glossary
References
Index
