RSA 1 - The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement

http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperDownload.aspx?paperID=31385

The required readings for this module focused on the benefits of implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in the school setting and the factors needed to do so. "Work Together But Only if You Want To," (DuFour 2011) laid out the reasons for and benefits of requiring (not suggesting) teachers be actively involved in PLCs. "Building a Learning Community, a tale of two schools," (Mindich, D., & Lieberman, A. 2012) described the required variables necessary to implement Professional Learning Communities in schools. Additionally, "Professional Learning Communities: Practices for Successful Implementation," (Linder, R., Post G., & Calabrese K. 2012) determined elements helpful to the success of PLCs based on participants' feedback in their study. All three articles are clear arguments for implementing PLCs and included elements that would be helpful for teachers whether just beginning to implement PLCs or further along in the process. 

"The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement," (Jones, L., Stall G., Yarbrough D. 2013) describes the importance of a principal's leadership in the implementation and sustainability of Professional Learning Communities. The article identifies several definitions of a PLC as well as different perspectives on what factors are necessary in a PLC. Throughout the article several factors for the role of the principal are included. The article states, "The principal has the responsibility in the facilitating, communicating, and providing the opportunity for growth". The authors also believe the principal must also help develop and communicate a vision for the school in order for a school's PLC to be effective. 

The online article, “The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement,” (Jones, L., et al 2013) states similar points as the assigned readings this week but adds a focus on what school leaders can do to help implement PLCs. Comparably, the online article mentions factors such as a common mission, vision, values, and goals as do the articles in this module. Ultimately, the online article helps to show the benefits of implementing Professional Learning Communities as do the articles included in this module. 

DuFour, Rick. (2011). Work together but only if you want to.  Kappan Magazine, 92. 

Retrieved from: http://blackboard.cuchicago.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1025298-dt-content-rid-4423463_2/courses/8967.201430/KapanMagazineRickDuFour2011.pdf

Jones, L., Stall G., Yarbrough D. (2013). The Importance of Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement. Retrieved from: http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperDownload.aspx?paperID=31385 

Linder, R., Post G., & Calabrese K. (2012). Professional Learning Communities: Practices for Successful Implementation.The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin. Retrieved from: http://blackboard.cuchicago.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1025300-dt-content-rid-4423468_2/courses/8967.201430/Linder%20PLC.pdf

Mindich, D., & Lieberman, A. (2012). Building a learning community: 

A tale of two schools. Stanford, CA. Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in 

Education. Retrieved from: http://blackboard.cuchicago.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1025299-dt-content-rid-4423470_2/courses/8967.201430/Mindich_Building_learning_communities.pdf