RSA #2 What is a Professional Learning Community?

RSA #2 What Is a “Professional Learning Community”? Richard DuFour

Susan Mitchell

http://staffdev.mpls.k12.mn.us/sites/6db2e00f-8a2d-4f0b-9e70-e35b529cde55/uploads/What_is_a_PLC._DuFour_Article_2.pdf

            The reading for this week provided more information on the importance of a strong PLC in a school and how to successfully implement the. One thing brought out was the use of SMART goals. One thing that the book stressed was that leaders who demonstrate reciprocal accountability do more then just hope teams will be successful in developing SMART goals, they provide teams with resources and support needed. (DuFour, DuFour, Eaker, Many 158)

            The article I read also discusses the importance of setting goals and the resulting change in teacher’s conversations when clear goals for student achievement are set. The article states that establishing a goal to improve the current level, working together to achieve that goal, and providing periodic evidence of progress. (DuFour, 5) The article states that a teacher is isolation can use her data to create goals but that data will become a catalyst for improved teacher practice only if the teacher has a basis of comparison. (Dufour, 5)

            The reading for the week and the article that I read had a shared opinion on the importance of setting goals.  I found all of the reading very relevant to the culture in many schools today including my own. The difference between creating in goals in isolation and in a group was a very important point. I think teachers myself included believe that having well written goals using all available data is enough. But it is not this data and goals need to be shared in a PLC to create change. Setting attainable goals is a very important role of a schools PLC and not something teachers can do independently.

References

DuFour, D., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., & Many, T. (2010). Learning by doing: A handbook for professional learning communities at work. (2nd ed.). Bloomington: Solution Tree Press.

DuFour,R.  (2004). What is a “Professional learning Community”. Professional Leadership