Demystifying Professional Learning Communities School Leadership at Its Best

by Hipp, Kristine Kiefer; Huffman, Jane Bumpers; Hord, Shirley M.; Abrego, Jesus; Cowan, D'Ette Fly; Moller, Gayle; Olivier, Dianne F.; Pankake, Anita M.; Roundtree, Linda

• ISBN13: 9781607090496
• ISBN10: 160709049X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-05-16
• Publisher: R&L Education

Summary

The purpose of this book is to clearly define an approach to school improvement that uses professional learning community (PLC) practices to achieve school improvement and success for every student. This book offers information, examples and case studies to clarify the concept of a PLC, to respond to critical issues in schools, and to support educational leaders in addressing the important mandates of accountability and school improvement. As school leaders proactively lead efforts to create learning communities, their schools, districts, and staff will incorporate knowledge, skills, and practices that focus on teaching and learning for all. The authors' findings will assist leaders, change agents, policy makers, and university faculty in guiding schools toward creating and maintaining PLCs as they sustain school improvement for student learning.

Author Biography

Kristine Kiefer Hipp is a professor in the Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service and District Administrative Licensure programs at Cardinal Stritch University where she serves in the university's Leadership Center, coordinating leadership programs in Corciano, Italy. Jane Bumpers Huffman is an associate professor at the University of North Texas where she coordinates the Educational Administration Doctoral program. Huffman served as a visiting scholar in 2009 at National Taiwan Normal University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Foreword	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
Demystifying the Concept of Professional Learning Communities	p. 11
Methodology and Conceptual Framework	p. 23
Assessing and Analyzing Schools as Professional Learning Communities	p. 29
Diagnostic and Planning Tools	p. 43
The Professional Teaching and Learning Cycle: A Strategy for Creating Professional Learning Communities	p. 57
Case Story Overview	p. 69
Case Story #1: Lake Elementary (PreK-8)	p. 73
Case Story #2: Mineral Springs Middle School (6-8)	p. 87
Case Story #3: Ralph H. Metcalfe School (K4-8)	p. 105
Sustainability: A Constant Process for Continuing Improvement	p. 121
Final Reflections: Moving Schools Forward	p. 133
Notes	p. 145
References	p. 147
About the Contributors	p. 159
About the Editors	p. 161
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