Journals As Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities

by Mary E. Dietz

• ISBN13: 9781412959902
• ISBN10: 141295990X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-03-04
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

"We successfully used the first edition and are especially excited about this revision, with updated journal designs and a CD-ROM. Now we have digital access and can easily share files and archive our efforts." a??Aminda Gentile, Director UFT Teacher Centers Increase the power of professional learning communities through the use of structured journaling. Educators working together in learning communities share a common objective: to develop broader and deeper understandings about the work that they do. As professionals, these participants look for opportunities to reflect on research and consider new practices that will impact student learning In Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities, international consultant Mary E. Dietz demonstrates five types of structured journals expressly tailored to the scope and purpose of professional learning communities (PLCs). Each of the journals in this groundbreaking guide follows a clearly defined four-step processa??purpose, focus, process, and outcomea??and provides a framework that promotes collaboration, continuous learning, and improved student achievement. The standard PLC Journal supports a collaborative effort focused on facilitating school reform. The School Portfolio Journal aids those convened to study individual schools and their benefits. The Action Research Journal builds teachers' skills as researchers, and the Professional Performance Portfolio supports the development of highly qualified teachers. Finally, the PLC Instructional Planning Journal helps participants align professional development with instructional priorities. With each journal type, the author includes: Step-by-step instructions for using structured journals Illustrations of the four-step journaling process Case studies drawn from actual experiences with educators and school communities Opportunities for PLC participants to consider new practices that can boost student learning A section devoted to reflection and conversation This comprehensive resource provides teachers, administrators, and other PLC members with powerful support for change and growth. The book and accompanying CD-ROM include helpful hints and strategies, a learning communities readiness rubric, implementation tools, and blank journal templates.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

The Purpose of PLC Journals

How to Use This Book and CD

Guiding Principles for Continuous Professional Learning

The Learning Cycle of Professional Development

Learning Communities Readiness Rubric

Professional Learning Communities at Work

Building Learning Communities in Schools

The Importance of Conversation and Building Relationships

Essential Qualities and Roles of Learning-Community Members

Facilitating Learning Communities

Professional Learning Community Journal: Facilitating School Reform

Background of Professional Learning Communities

How to Use the PLC Journal

Case Study: Study Group Journal

Study Group Wrap-up

Reflection and Conversation

School Reform Journal Template

Action Research Journal: Teacher as Researcher

Background of Action Research

How to Use the Action Research Journal

Case Study: Action Research Journal

Action Research Wrap-up

Reflection and Conversation

Action Research Journal Template

District Portfolio of Schools

Background of the School Portfolio

How to Use the School Portfolio Journal

Case Study: School Portfolio Journal

School Portfolio Wrap-up

Reflection and Conversation

School Portfolio Journal Templates

Professional Performance Journal: The Highly Qualified Teacher

Background of Professional Growth and Performance

How to Use the Professional Performance Journal

Case Study: Professional Performance Journal

Professional Performance Wrap-up

Professional Performance Journal Templates

Professional Development Journal: Aligning With Instructional Priorities

Background of Professional Development

How to Use the Professional Development Journal

Case Study: Professional Development Journal

Professional Development Wrap-up

Reflection and Conversation

Professional Development Journal Templates Guides and Resources

Guide for Professional Collaboration

Thoughtful Questions for Learning Communities

Worksheet for Defining Purpose and Priorities

School Portfolio Survey

A Strategy for Determining Top Priorities for School Change

Student Profile Checklist

Professional Portfolios: Types and Purposes

A Guide for Listening

Directions for Coaching Triads

Banner Questions Guide

Professional Development Checklist

A List of Facilitation Strategies

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

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