Collaborative Learning Communities: CLC

Autumn Dickerson/Sandra Mutin/Sandy Nunez/Joy Vander Vennen

September 29, 2020/EAD-523/Dr. L. Pickens
Introduction

The professional learning community (PLC) framework is founded

on the belief that education ensures that all students learn.
Focusing on learning instead of teaching has deep implications for
schools. PLCs are effective when schools view their missions and
visions of “learning for all” literally, and teachers embrace them as
pledges that ensure the success of every student . When this
process occurs, profound changes take place. (DuFour, 2004).
Quote
 Mission Statement

21st century students are successful through learning and

knowledge. Creating learning climates that are safe and
support students in feeling loved and motivated are
essential to this mission.
 Goal of Professional Learning Community

 “PLCs provide teachers with a more proficient way to share best practices and brainstorm innovative

ways to improve learning and drive student achievement” (Serviss,2020).

 Built-in Teacher Support System

 Continuous Collaboration

 Teachers become Leaders

 Increase Student Achievement in Lessons and Assessments

 Student Outcomes

 Consistency in Curriculum

 High-risk Students are Identified

 Increased Learning

 Smaller achievement gaps

 Decreased drop-out rates

Measurable Outcomes for PLC

 Collaboration

 Shared Vision, Mission, and Goals

 Supportive Leadership Structure

 Shared Experiences among Teachers

 Overall Focus on Results/Outcomes

What Are Professional Learning Communities?

The Professional Learning Community framework

enable educators to build collaborative school
learning experiences. These teacher-to-teacher
experiences are foundations for school achievement
(DuFour, 2004). This video demonstrates what PLCs
are and how and why they are implemented.

(Teachings in Education, 2017)

A Successful Team Roster

 Teachers-offensive line
 Administrators-running defense
 Curriculum Writers/Developers-calling the plays
 Instructional Technologists-keeping stats
 Paraprofessionals-utility players
The Game Plan
Preparing
• Conduct a Needs Assessment
• Analyze Data to Identify
Needs
• Create a Goal
• Select Research Based
Instructional Strategies
Tailored to the Specific Needs
of the Students
• Create Lesson Plans and
Assessments
Game Time
• Implement Planned Lessons
and Assessments
• Collect Student Data as it
Becomes Available
• Identify Levels of Need for
Adjustments
• Continue Collaborating with
Team Members so that
Conversations are Meaningful
when Meeting
Huddle
• Revisit Goal
• Discuss Progress or Lack of
• Analyze New Data &
Compare to Original Data
• Adjust Lessons and Strategies
• GET READY TO RE-ENTER
THE GAME!
Evaluating and Growth through

 Evidence of learning
 Are practices aligning with the school mission?
 New initiatives are considered and implemented
 Are students learning/growing?
 Are teachers learning/growing?
 Participants
 Autumn Dickerson
 Sandra Mutin
 Sandy Nunez, and
 Joy Vander Vennen
 References:

DuFour, R. (2004, May). What Is a Professional Learning Community? Retrieved September 29, 2020,

from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/may04/vol61/num08/What-Is-a-Professional-Learning-

Community%C2%A2.aspx

Eaker, R., DuFour, R., & DuFour, R. (2007, February 19). All Things PLC. Blog | All Things PLC | Powered by Solution Tree. https://www.allthingsplc.info/blog/view/4/assessing-principal-

performance-in-a-professional-learning-community.

Keenan, M. (2020). Professional Learning Community (PLC). Salem Press Encyclopedia

Serviss, J. (2020, September 16). 4 benefits of an active professional learning community. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://www.iste.org/explore/4-benefits-active-professional-

learning-community

Teachings in Education. (2019). Professional Learning Communities: PLCs. Retrieved from YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r--tAcsrI48&t=122s

Trach, E. (2019, February 27). Identifying the Key Players on a Successful PLC Team. Schoology. https://www.schoology.com/blog/identifying-key-players-successful-plc-team.