Professional Learning Communities
What Is It?
We often encourage teachers to provide students with opportunities to work together so that they can discuss problems, share ideas, and learn from one another. Educators benefit from similar opportunities.
Professional learning communities (PLCs) offer a context in which the professionals in a school share collective responsibility for student learning and consistently and openly examine their own work in relation to student outcomes. The development of schools that operate as PLCs is enhanced by shared and supportive leadership, shared values and vision, collective learning and application of that learning, supportive conditions, and shared personal practice. When these dimensions are intentionally addressed, schools become places in which continuous inquiry and improvement are the norm.
SEDL professional development experts can help education leaders lay the groundwork for transforming schools into PLCs. We will show your staff how to develop clear goals for a PLC, create an environment for collaboration and shared leadership, practice leadership skills that improve staff and student learning, and use a self-assessment strategy to know how your school is progressing in becoming a PLC.
How SEDL Can Help
Attend at SEDL
Take part in SEDL’s three-part Professional Learning Communities Academy on June 18–19, July 23–24, and August 17–18 at SEDL’s Center for Professional Learning.
For those who are interested, SEDL can provide short- or longer-term follow-up assistance for participants.
Introductory sessions can also be offered at your location based on a minimum number of participants.
Stimulus Funds to Use
Title I, Part A Recovery Funds and Title I, School Improvement Grants (103G Funds)
Contact Us
Please contact the SEDL Center for Professional Learning at 800-476-6861, ext. 6556, or e-mail services@sedl.org to learn more.