Download or read book The Principal s Role in Developing and Sustaining Professional Learning Communities written by Ginger Mink Teague and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 443 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With research supporting the benefits of professional learning communities in transforming schools, school leaders need insight and understanding into how to lead the organization toward successful implementation. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the principal in developing and sustaining professional learning communities in elementary school settings. The exploratory, sequential, mixed method case study was conducted using Hord's (1997, 1998, 2008) Five Dimensions of a Professional Learning Community as the theoretical framework. The research design was a quan→QUAL sequential approach, with priority or dominance given to the qualitative phase (Greene, 2008; Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Triangulation of data sources and methods added strength to the findings. In the initial phase, 107 teachers from eight elementary schools from one school district in a southeastern state responded to the PLCA--R instrument (Olivier & Hipp, 2010a). The PLCA--R data provided insight into teachers' perceptions of the extent to which PLC practices are found in elementary schools. The quantitative data analysis led to the selection of two elementary schools with strong evidence of PLC practices to serve as cases for the qualitative phase. In the qualitative phase data collection at the elementary schools included interviews with principals and teachers, observations of PLCs, and artifacts. Both within case and cross-case analyses were conducted to determine the extent of PLC practices and findings related to the role of the principal. With strong evidence of PLC practices, three themes were developed concerning the principal's role in developing and sustaining PLCs: relationships matter; principal support is critical; and structure is important. The themes fall within the supportive conditions dimension of PLCs (Hord, 1997, 1998, 2008). As elementary principals lead their schools in developing PLC practices, they can benefit by recognizing the impact of principal support on the process. Principals can also foster PLCs by building trusting and caring relationships and by developing structures that support the collaborative work found in PLCs.
Download or read book The Principalship written by L. Joseph Matthews and published by Prentice Hall. This book was released on 2010 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Principalship allows readers to gain a broader, more complex and accurate understanding of school administrator leadership in today's learning communities while presenting an expansive view of leadership within schools not limited to the responsibilities of the principal, but including those of assistant principals, administrators, teachers, and students. This innovative first edition text presents a complete picture of the principal as school administrator, community builder, advocate, manager, mentor, supervisor, politician, leader and learner. The Principalship covers the importance of learning: the learning of principals, the learning of other professionals, and especially the learning of students. School improvement is not possible without this across-the-board learning and exploration, and this text places a strong emphasis on this simple but often-overlooked aspect of school communities. Today's school systems are faced with a number of fresh challenges: changing student populations, rapidly expanding research knowledge, increasing accountability requirements, federal and state policy demands, and escalating expectations for school services. This book will help aspiring school leaders to bridge the gap between traditional conceptualizations of the principal and more innovative, functional, and multifaceted conceptualizations that respond to the changing conditions and higher demands of contemporary learning communities.
Download or read book The Principal as Professional Learning Community Leader written by Ontario Principals' Council, and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2008-12-17 with total page 145 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This resource provides principals with practical support, step-by-step plans, and hands-on strategies to lead the development of thriving professional learning communities in their schools.
Download or read book Leading Professional Learning Communities written by Shirley M. Hord and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2008-02-01 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Hord is the originator of the triple-headed concept of professional learning communities. Sommers is an experienced administrator and past president of the National Staff Development Council. With the authors′ extensive backgrounds in educational evaluation and the implementation of school change and development, they are uniquely equipped to delineate and defend a particular vision of professional learning communities that has educational depth, professional richness, and moral integrity." —From the Foreword by Andy Hargreaves "The most important volume available to help principals undertake the challenging yet exhilarating work of building true communities of professional learning." —Joseph Murphy, Professor Vanderbilt University "The book does not gloss over the challenges that leaders will encounter. The authors draw upon rich research evidence and personal experiences and offer many practical, proven change strategies. This is a valuable resource for any educational leader who wishes to become a ′head learner.′" —Arthur L. Costa, Professor Emeritus California State University, Sacramento "Hord and Sommers create a powerful bridge between the research base on PLCs and practitioner knowledge and action. The book′s dual focus on principles and ′rocks in the road′ provide a grounded basis for school leaders. A dog-eared copy should be in every principal′s office and in every professional developer′s tool kit." —Karen Seashore Louis, Rodney S. Wallace Professor University of Minnesota, Minneapolis "The authors′ rationale and suggestions will resonate because they come from experience and great insight. The bottom line remains steadfast for these two distinguished educators: you implement a PLC so that teachers learn and students achieve. This text will help educators reach toward that compelling vision." —Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director National Staff Development Council Imagine all professionals in all schools engaged in continuous professional learning! Current research shows a strong positive relationship between successful professional learning communities and increased student achievement. In this practical and reader-friendly guide, education experts Shirley M. Hord and William A. Sommers explore the school-based learning opportunities offered to school professionals and the principal′s critical role in the development of an effective professional learning community (PLC). This book provides school leaders with readily accessible information to guide them in developing a PLC that supports teachers and students. The authors cover building a vision for a PLC, implementing structures, creating policies and procedures, and developing the leadership skills required for initiating and sustaining a learning community. Each chapter includes meaningful quotes from the field, "rocks in the road" and ways to overcome them, examples from real PLCs, and learning activities to reinforce chapter content. The text illustrates how this research-based school improvement model can help educators: Increase leadership capacity Embed professional development into daily work Create a positive school culture Develop accountability Boost student achievement Discover how you can grow a vital community of professionals who work together to increase their effectiveness and strengthen the relationship between professional learning and student learning.
Download or read book Sustaining Professional Learning Communities written by Alan M. Blankstein and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2008-02-01 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This resource brings together an incredible blend of leading educational thinkers. Their diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom will stimulate in leaders the ′deep work′ of the heart, mind, and soul essential for creating schools that continuously improve teaching, learning, and relationships in ways that benefit all members of the school community." —Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive Director National Staff Development Council A concise volume packed with research and innovative ideas from today′s key thinkers! Professional learning communities have become a significant factor in improving instructional effectiveness and student achievement. In the third volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, educators and leaders will discover key concepts and strategies for sustaining the critically important work of these communities. Contributions from Shirley M. Hord, Maurice J. Elias, Karen Seashore Louis, Andy Hargreaves, Stephanie A. Hirsh, and other nationally known educators highlight: Leadership teams and a collaborative culture The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Multiple approaches for supporting social-emotional learning in schools Leadership, real-world challenges, and moral choices A thought-provoking collection from educational visionaries, Sustaining Professional Learning Communities is essential reading for all school leaders committed to strengthening learning environments.
Download or read book Professional Learning Communities at Work written by Richard DuFour and published by Solution Tree. This book was released on 1998 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides specific information on how to transform schools into results-oriented professional learning communities, describing the best practices that have been used by schools nationwide.
Download or read book Perceptions of Principals Learning to Lead Professional Learning Communities in a Fast Growth District written by Kellie C. Rapp and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The role of the principal has become increasingly complex and challenging. Recent emphasis has been placed on the role of principals as leaders who can build a culture of learning in schools to close the student achievement gap. Outside factors such as fast-growth in Texas have caused schools to change and grow quickly, which increases the learning demands placed on principals as they seek to develop the knowledge and skills needed for effective leadership. Developing and sustaining a professional learning community is a powerful strategy that has been found to improve teaching and learning, however developing professional learning communities requires skilled leadership. Limited research exists regarding how principals learn to implement and sustain professional learning communities within fast-growth districts, therefore, with this phenomenological qualitative research, I explored the lived experiences of seven principals within one fast-growth district in Texas to explore how they learned to develop and sustain a professional learning community.
Download or read book Reculturing Schools as Professional Learning Communities written by Jane Bumpers Huffman and published by R&L Education. This book was released on 2003-10-22 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This important work documents and examines evidence of efforts taking place in rural, urban, and suburban Pre-K-12 schools that are actively engaged in creating professional learning communities (PLCs). Literature is reviewed that defines and identifies the distinguishing dimensions of PLCs. A five-year, federally funded research study is explained including the methodology and demographics of the six study schools and a synthesis of the 64 interviews. A PLC organizer (PLCO) is introduced, which realigns with Shirley Hord's original 1997 research. The organizer provides the framework to explain the five PLC dimensions and related critical attributes. The PLCO also merges Fullan's model, Phases of Change (1985), which includes initiation, implementation, and institutionalization. The authors provide extensive evidence of the progressive development of a PLC from initiation to implementation using exemplars and non-exemplars from interviews that either hinder or facilitate creating and sustaining PLCs. A new assessment tool, the Professional Learning Community Assessment (PLCA), is also presented and can be used for diagnosis and evaluation of schools as they work toward school reform efforts. Readers are also presented with information that connects professional learning community work to a new approach to school improvement. Five case studies are included that can be used in schools and university classrooms for the purpose of engaging educators in reflection, open dialogue, problem finding, and problem solving. This first-hand documented information provides readers with unique issues as they wrestle with the challenges of transforming schools into organizations that meet diverse students needs. Lessons learned from this problem-based learning can easily transfer to the readers' own experiences and schools. The authors conclude by highlighting significant findings, reviewing the most recent related research that addresses sustaining such efforts, and offering suggestions for school leaders to
Download or read book The Creation of a Professional Learning Community for School Leaders written by Amalia Humada- Ludeke and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-09-03 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The unwavering culture of continuous improvement efforts to bring about school change has irrevocably changed the role expectations for the school leader. The school leader in the 21st century is increasingly perceived as an instructional leader expected to implement whole-school reform models that can shape teacher practice and influence student outcomes. The significant changes in role expectations for school leaders present considerable challenges to an educational system that was not designed to incorporate these conceptualizations. In light of the increased acceptance of changed leadership expectations, the elements that are needed for developing, supporting, and sustaining instructional leaders who can lead systemic change efforts are frequently not present, are fragmented, or are observed at various developmental stages throughout the pK-20 pipeline. This book is centered on the learning and changed behaviors of school leaders, who engaged in a sustained job-embedded professional learning community, facilitated through a university-district partnership. The learning from the findings, suggested that job-embedded learning with their peers, can be instrumental for these principals to build the capacity to lead systemic change efforts. The findings further suggested that creating conditions for new understanding to occur, and sustained opportunities to apply new learning in context to their role, entailed a collaborative effort by a partnership involving two separate institutions with different priorities. The author makes a case for the educational pipeline, to prioritize the support and understanding of complex systemic change efforts and innovations, as they are linked to school improvement.
Download or read book Learning Together Leading Together written by Shirley M. Hord and published by Teachers College Press. This book was released on 2004-01-05 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Increasingly the education world is recognizing that the development of learning communities is an effective means for improving schools without increasing the budget or adding new programs. This indispensible volume offers practical advice gathered from 22 schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) that have successfully modeled or are creating professional learning communities.
Download or read book The Principal s Role in Supporting Professional Learning Communities written by Karen S. Duling and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Increasing student achievement is at the forefront of the school reform movement. Today's educators are called upon to raise academic standards to the highest level in history with common core standards that align with international benchmarks. One of the most rapidly-growing improvement efforts in today's schools is the development of professional learning communities (PLCs). Research shows a link between PLCs and increased student achievement. Additional information is needed about how school leaders have successfully supported sustainable PLCs within their schools. The purpose of this multi-site case study was to understand the types of principal behaviors as perceived by both teachers and principals that are most meaningful in the support of PLCs. The study also examined the intersection of the dimensions of learning-centered leadership and the critical attributes of PLCs. This study concluded that in professional learning communities, principals and teachers share a vision for learning and address the needs of all learners. The following leadership dimensions are perceived to be important in the support of professional learning communities: the principal's knowledge and involvement in curriculum and instruction, the principal's knowledge and involvement in the assessment program, and the principal's influence on organizational culture. The study also revealed that when learning-centered leadership and professional learning communities intersect, shared leadership and collective learning are perceived to occur. Commonalities among the five cases in this study were affirmed, but each school site also had unique characteristics. In particular, one site emerged as an exemplar for strong teacher leadership.
Download or read book Communities that Learn Lead and Last written by Giselle O. Martin-Kniep and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2007-12-04 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Communities That Learn, Lead, and Last offers a fresh and compelling perspective while providing practical guidance for schools and districts on how to develop "professional learning communities" that serve to instill educational ideals, share wisdom, improve practice, and enhance capacity across the system. Comprised of any combination of teachers, school leaders, staff developers, district personnel, and even students, professional learning communities, as described in this book, break new ground and challenge the status quo by focusing on the reconciliation of individual and organizational expertise, vision, and needs through a variety of collaborations, activities and projects?ranging from classroom-related work to broader issues of policy, leadership, and organizational improvement. Depending on their needs, maturity, purpose, and membership, professional learning communities can be centered on learning, leading, or lasting. Showing how such communities can become the means for improving teaching and learning, as well as promote and sustain educational innovations, the book maps out the community-building essentials, providing guidance, tools, and carefully crafted rubrics.
Download or read book What Works in Schools written by Robert J. Marzano and published by ASCD. This book was released on 2003 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Schools can and do affect student achievement, and this book recommends specific-and attainable-action steps to implement successful strategies culled from the wealth of research data.
Download or read book Professionalism and Community written by Karen Seashore Louis and published by Corwin. This book was released on 1995-03-24 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Authors Louis and Kruse examine the question: Why do some school communities succeed and others fail? They take a look at five urban schools that have been attempting restructuring for several years - enough time to show results. They describe how the development of a professional community - or the lack thereof - impacts the implementation of change and how teachers' efforts at professionalism can positively affect the process. Focusing on the structural, social, and human conditions of schooling, the authors describe how to form a professional community. Using their extensive research on professionalism, they develop a framework for evaluating the elements of community and then use the framework to present a cross-case analysis of various schools in the study. Professionalism and Community is a potent source of information for all policymakers and school leaders who are committed to long-term, effective change. It reveals a significant reason why so many well-intentioned, well-planned reforms fail, in spite of individual commitment and the heroic efforts of the participants. By observing those who have gone before, readers can learn important lessons from this study and discover the keys to making their own reform efforts work.
Download or read book Leaders of Learning written by Richard DuFour and published by Solution Tree Press. This book was released on 2011-07-26 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For many years, the authors have been fellow travelers on the journey to help educators improve their schools. Their first coauthored book focuses on district leadership, principal leadership, and team leadership and addresses how individual teachers can be most effective in leading students—by learning with colleagues how to implement the most promising pedagogy in their classrooms
Download or read book Guiding Professional Learning Communities written by Shirley M. Hord and published by Corwin Press. This book was released on 2009-11-24 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "To improve teaching quality and student learning outcomes, someone has to take the reins and lead the effort with intelligence, skill, sensitivity, and a clear sense of purpose. This book offers the ′why′ and ′how′ to those willing to take on the challenge to accomplish that goal." —Thomas R. Guskey, Professor of Educational Psychology University of Kentucky "This book places ′learning in community′ at the forefront of PLC work. The authors provide a treasure trove of cognitively engaging learning opportunities that build a communal knowledge base." —Diane Zimmerman, Superintendent Old Adobe Union School District, Petaluma, CA "Too often PLCs are treated as events. The authors of this fine book make clear that an authentic PLC is about embracing a form of leadership and learning in schools that requires fearless examination of teaching practices, faculty interactions, and student learning toward the goal of increased successful student learning. The book is rich with information, resources, and learning activities revealing how this can be accomplished." —Robert J. Garmston, Cofounder, Institute for Intelligent Behavior Professor Emeritus, California State University, Sacramento The how-to guide for developing, implementing, and sustaining a PLC! Shirley M. Hord and William A. Sommers′ best-selling book Leading Professional Learning Communities introduced educators to the research-based components of an effective professional learning community (PLC). Now this implementation handbook offers more than 30 structured "learning opportunities" to help busy educators put the components into practice. Ideal as a companion to the original book but also valuable as a standalone resource, this sequel guides educators in developing a new PLC or sustaining an existing one. Members of PLCs can use the engaging learning opportunities to facilitate individual and team development by exploring: Beliefs, values, and vision Shared leadership Structural conditions Relational conditions Intentional learning Sharing personal practice Guiding Professional Learning Communities is a rich field guide for increasing and enhancing teaching quality through the power of educators learning together.
Download or read book The Principal s Role in Implementing Professional Learning Communities in a School written by Anjani Devi Mohabir and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The principal of one school assessed the current state of the school when she first became principal and wanted to change the culture from isolationistic to collaborative in order to have a foundation for implementing learning communities. She transformed the book clubs that existed into nine school-wide learning communities with coaches as leaders. Simultaneously, she created opportunities to encourage staff interactions, leadership roles, and multiple opportunities for professional development. Successful strategies for implementing learning communities were identified. They included building staff capacity, planning for de-privatization of practice and data collection and analyses, incorporating trust-building activities at meetings, and establishing a shared educational purpose. Challenges included selecting a goal, strengthening the coaches' leadership skills, developing strategies that would encourage staff to engage in authentic participation, and scheduling time for longer and more meetings. Areas for further research relating to the process of collaboration emerged from this study.
