Full Description
A 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 into practice right away. This book will most certainly help answer the perennial question: How do we achieve a genuine Professional Learning Community?
Contents
Dedication
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
