Rebecca Dufour

25 years on, the PLC at Work(R) process continues to produce results across the United States and worldwide. In this fourth edition of the bestseller Learning by Doing, the authors use updated research and time-tested knowledge to address current education challenges, from learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the need to drive a highly effective multitiered system of supports. This book will help K-12 administrators, school leaders, and teacher teams: Build shared knowledge of both critical vocabulary and the concepts underlying the key PLC terms Learn new, more in-depth strategies for coaching in a PLC at Work Make honest assessments of student learning, examine their school culture, and implement conventional practices from a fresh, critical perspective Take immediate and specific steps to close the knowing-doing gap and implement PLC concepts in their school and district Recognize that the knowledge needed to support students in achieving higher levels is readily available, and the next step is to transform this awareness into an action plan for school improvement Follow the step-by-step format outlined in each chapter to advance their school's PLC journey and drive continuous improvement Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: A Guide to Action for Professional Learning Communities at Work Chapter 2: Defining a Clear and Compelling Purpose Chapter 3: Building the Collaborative Culture of a Professional Learning Community Chapter 4: Coaching Collaborative Teams in a Professional Learning Community at Work Chapter 5: Creating a Results Orientation in a Professional Learning Community Chapter 6: Establishing a Focus on Learning Chapter 7: Creating Team-Developed Common Formative Assessments Chapter 8: Responding When Some Students Don't Learn Chapter 9: Hiring, Orienting, and Retaining New Staff Chapter 10: Addressing Conflict and Celebrating in a Professional Learning Community Chapter 11: Implementing the Professional Learning Community Process Districtwide Conclusion: Touching the Emotions--Creating a Culture of Caring References Index

This new edition of a classic work is written for educators invested in the moral imperative to do what's right for all students. The authors work from the mindset that PLC at Work(R) is a continuous process of school improvement. The result is a revelation of best practices affirmed by the latest research and a confirmation of the power of the three big ideas and four critical questions of this proven process. Learn how to sustain the work of collaborative teams to ensure best practices in instruction, assessment, intervention, and more. Discover new ideas and perspectives on school leadership and school culture. Delve into greater specificity on what issues Professional Learning Communities at Work(R) can positively impact. Learn how to effectively provide extra time and support for students who struggle and extensions for those who have already reached their learning goals. Understand what research shows is ineffective for student success and why such practices should be discontinued. Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: New Insights Into Professional Learning Communities at Work Chapter 2: The Case for Professional Learning Communities at Work Chapter 3: The Challenge of Cultural Change Chapter 4: The Four Pillars of a Professional Learning Community--Shared Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals Chapter 5: Teaching in a Collaborative Culture Chapter 6: Essential Learning and Assessment in a PLC Chapter 7: Interventions and Extensions in a PLC Chapter 8: The Role of the Principal in a PLC Chapter 9: The Role of the Superintendent and the Central Office in a PLC Chapter 10: How to Sustain the PLC Journey Appendix References and Resources

Discover how to close the knowing-doing gap and transform your school or district into a high-performing PLC. The powerful third edition of this comprehensive action guide updates and expands on new and significant PLC topics. Explore fresh strategies, models, and tips for hiring and retaining new staff, creating team-developed common formative assessments, implementing systematic interventions, and more. Benefits Build a shared knowledge of critical vocabulary and the concepts underlying key PLC terms. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to model effective reciprocal accountability. Make honest assessments of your school by examining conventional practices from a fresh, critical perspective. Take immediate and specific steps to close the knowing-doing gap. Move beyond planning, and start doing. Contents Introduction to the Third Edition 1 A Guide to Action for Professional Learning Communities at Work(TM) 2 A Clear and Compelling Purpose 3 Building the Collaborative Culture of a Professional Learning Community 4 Creating a Results Orientation in a Professional Learning Community 5 Creating a Focus on Learning 6 Creating Team-Developed Common Formative Assessments 7 Responding When Some Students Don't Learn 8 Hiring, Orienting, and Retaining New Staff 9 Resolving Conflict and Celebrating in a Professional Learning Community 10 Implementing the PLC Process Districtwide