SUZANNE GRAMBUSHSHAWNA GROULX

MATT SAYERSMATT SHANAFELTSHERRI SMARCH

Professional Learning Communities: Collaboration in Teaching at the High School

Level

Professional Learning Communities

BackgroundRichard DuFourRobert V. Bullough Jr.

3 Big Ideas of a PLC •Focus on learning •Build a Collaborative Culture•Focus on Results

6 Essential Characteristics of a PLC •Shared mission, vision, values, goals •Collaborative teams •Focused on learning •Collective inquiry•Action orientation •Experimentation

Professional Learning Communities

Our MotivationImprove student

learning/achievement Increase collaboration

among staffMeet the needs of our

sub-groupsIncrease use and

understanding of best practices

Professional Learning Communities

AbstractProfessional Learning Communities (PLC) have become a rapidly growing trend in the American public school system. Leaders of this trend, such as Richard DuFour, are guided by research that suggests that best practices include collaboration, common assessment, and communication among staff members. Grand Blanc and Hartland High Schools have embarked on a crusade to implement PLCs to improve student learning. The study focused the impact on student learning through the implementation of the PLC concept. Results show that ample time is a key factor in the proper execution of PLCs.

Professional Learning Communities

MethodologyStaff SurveysStudent Interview

sPLC Leader Interv

iews

Professional Learning Communities

Research Questions1. To what degree have PLC

principles been implemented?

2. How has the implementation of PLC principles impacted student achievement?

3. How could the implementation of PLCs be improved?

Professional Learning Communities

Research Question 1To what degree have PLC principles been

implemented?

Grand Blanc High School•Common Assessment•Scheduled time to meet•Scope and sequence for all classes established

Hartland High School•Common Assessment•Scheduled time to meet•Common planning period

Professional Learning Communities

Research Question 2How has the implementation of PLC principles

impacted student achievement?

Grand Blanc High School•15.2%-12.1% decrease in D’s and E’s 2007-2008 – 2008-2009•100% of leaders believe PLCs have improved teaching•Focus changed from teaching to learning•Teachers focused on data driven instruction•Similar content and expectations

Hartland High School•13.0%-12.0% decrease in D’s in E’s 2007-2008-2008-2009•Teachers are more willing to re-teach material• Use data to improve student learning•98.4% use PLC time to discuss how to help students •Similar content and expectations

Professional Learning Communities

Research Question 3How could the implementation of PLCs be

improved?

Grand Blanc High School•More time•Clearer direction/objectives from administration•Build trust

Hartland High School•More time•Clarification on PLC model•Build trust

Professional Learning Communities

ConclusionsPLCs, an effective

tool improving teaching student achievement rigorous coursework

Effective PLCs adequate planning

time for teachers trust and collaboration training planning

 

Professional Learning Communities

RecommendationsTargeted student support programsAbility to create additional PLCs based on

common interestsCommon planning periods for staffFostering an atmosphere of open communication

and trust among staffAbility to visit and learn from other schoolsA commitment to teacher training and

preparedness programsA commitment to additional time for teachers to

collaborate

Professional Learning Communities

Future ResearchAdditional study of student achievement, best

practice and student assessment Compare and contrast the success of other PLC

models with other schools in MichiganContinue to measure and analyze the

effectiveness of the PLC model at GBHS and HHS

Measure student success/achievement through additional measures (ACT, graduation rates, student referrals, success in college, etc.)