The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement
ABSTRACT
In this article, we begin with a discussion of the development and sustaining of professional learning communities. We proposed that PLCs can be an effective form of professional development for teachers. This professional development can be facilitated by the principal. The necessary cultural components for effective professional learning communities are also included. Embedded in the discussion is the role of the principal in facilitating the PLCs and facilitating the positive culture.
Cite this paper
Jones, L. , Stall, G. & Yarbrough, D. (2013). The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement. Creative Education, 4, 357-361. doi: 10.4236/ce.2013.45052.
Jones, L. , Stall, G. & Yarbrough, D. (2013). The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement. Creative Education, 4, 357-361. doi: 10.4236/ce.2013.45052.
References
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aae30061442847e6afcd0991753a8f63/DefiningaProfessionalLearningCommunity.pdf [24] Schlager, M. S., & Fusco, J. (2003). Teacher professional development, technology, and communiies of practice: Are we putting the cart be fore the horse? The Information Society, 19, 203-220. doi:10.1080/01972240309464 [25] Schmoker, M. (2011). Focus: Elevating the essentials to radically improve student learning. Virginia: Association Curriculum. [26] Senge, P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of learning organizations. New York: Currency Doubleday Publishers. [27] Sergiovanni, T. J. (1994). Building community in schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. [28] Siconne, F. (2012). Essential skills for effective school leadership. Boston: Pearson Education. [29] Smith, W. F., & Andrews, R. L. (1989). Instructional leadership: How principals makes a difference. Alexandra, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. [30] Stoll, L., Bolam, R., McMahon, A., Thomas, S., Wallace, M., Green wood, A., & Hawkey, K. (2005). What is a professional learning community? A summary. DfES Research Report RR637, Bristol: University of Bristol. http://www.lcll.org.uk/uploads/3/0/9/3/3093873/plc_source_materials_summary.pdf [31] Williams, R., Brien, K., Sprague, C., & Sullivan, G. (2008). Professional learning communities: Developing a school-level readiness instrument. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 74. http://www.umanitoba.ca/publications/cjeap/articles/williamsspraguesullivanbrien.html [32] Zapeda, S. (2003). Instructional supervsion: Applying tools and concepts. New York: Eye on Education.