Professional Learning Communities by Design

Professional Learning Communities by Design
Author: Lois Brown Easton
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2011-07-14
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1412987113

If you are looking for an organic approach to purpose-driven professional learning, this is the book for you. Award-winning educator Lois Brown Easton's latest work provides a compelling case study in narrative form, a chronological PLC planning outline, and first-hand "lessons learned" about how PLCs develop, mature, and sustain themselves. You will not receive a PLC "prescription," but you will find inspiration, wisdom, discussion questions, and a companion CD.

Designing Professional Development for Teachers of Science and Mathematics

Designing Professional Development for Teachers of Science and Mathematics
Author: Susan Loucks-Horsley
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 425
Release: 2009-11-24
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1452272557

"This third edition represents the gold standard of resources for those working in the field of professional development. My staff and I highly recommend this book as a primary resource for designing and continuously improving professional development programs for teachers of science and mathematics. Unlike other resources, this unique and important book provides current research, an updated strategic planning framework, and access to a portfolio of best practices for informing your work." —Sally Goetz Shuler, Executive Director National Science Resources Center "In the 21st century when STEM education has become vital for our students and our nation and the importance of quality professional development has increased at least tenfold, this seminal work should be required reading for every education leader. It is both practical and scholarly in guiding a school toward a culture of continuous learning and improvement." —Harold Pratt, President, Science Curriculum Inc. Former President, National Science Teachers Association The classic guide for designing robust science and mathematics professional development programs! This expanded edition of one of the most widely cited resources in the field of professional learning for mathematics and science educators demonstrates how to design professional development for teachers that is directly linked to improving student learning. Presenting an updated professional development (PD) planning framework, the third edition of the bestseller reflects current research on PD design, underscores how beliefs and local factors can influence the PD design, illustrates a wide range of PD strategies, and emphasizes the importance of: Continuous program monitoring Combining strategies to address diverse needs Building cultures that sustain learning An inspiring blend of theory and practical wisdom, Designing Professional Development for Teachers of Science and Mathematics remains a highly regarded reference for improving professional practice and student achievement.

Measuring Implementation in Schools

Measuring Implementation in Schools
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 73
Release: 2008
Genre: Educational change
ISBN: 9780977720828

This set consists of three manuals entitled Measuring implementation in schools. The three manuals have the subtitles: Innovation configurations; Levels of use; and The stages of concerns questionnaire. The DVD contains interviews with three of the CBAM developers--Archie George, Gene Hall, and Shirley Hord--who describe the three dimensions of CBAM and related tools, especially the Stages of Concern Questionnaire, the Levels of Use Interview, and the Innovation Configurations Map.

The Effective School Leader′s Guide to Management

The Effective School Leader′s Guide to Management
Author: Jane L. Sigford
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2005-10-07
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1452239037

Discover how to be a successful school leader and manager! Exploring 15 vital topics, as well as offering strategies and examples, Jane L. Sigford demonstrates how effective schools are a marriage of management and leadership. Organized into three sections—management and leadership theories, managing the school, and managing yourself—this resource helps administrators understand the complexity of leadership and addresses the application of effective management skills to create successful learning communities. Written for new and veteran school leaders, this essential guide: Acts as a handbook, which contains an overview of individual components of school leadership normally scattered among many textbooks and resources Provides suggested resources for more in-depth study Offers individual reflective practice questions throughout for personal use Suggests questions to help facilitate professional development group discussions, especially among peers The Effective School Leader′s Guide to Management illustrates how school administrators can run a school efficiently, balancing their roles as instructional leaders and effective school managers, while still having time to improve professional development, foster parent and community relationships, make data-driven decisions, and nurture personal growth and leadership.

Whole-Faculty Study Groups

Whole-Faculty Study Groups
Author: Carlene U. Murphy
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 385
Release: 2005
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1412908949

Used by hundreds of schools and school districts across the country, the Whole-Faculty Study Group (WFSG) System is a student-driven, holistic process for facilitating major staff development and schoolwide change. While providing a step-by-step methodology for the development and implementation of successful WFSGs, this newest edition of Murphy and Lick's groundbreaking bestseller incorporates the most current theoretical concepts on change, the latest refinements to change management procedures, and a wealth of new experiences from more than two thousand individual study groups. Other significant revisions to this edition include: Three additional chapters: the research foundation for WFSGs, how to recognize and understand school culture, and fourteen key findings A reorganization of chapters to make the book even more reader-friendly New material on timely topics such as "learning communities" and "learning teams" An increased focus on assessment of student results Updated sets of resources and illustrations in the appendix WFSGs are a proven way to successfully reform, improve, and transition schools to meet tomorrow's needs. Filled with real-world examples and illustrative cases, this book provides both the practical knowledge and the theoretical foundation necessary to negotiate the societal, organizational, and cultural barriers affecting education. This new edition is essential for administrators, teachers, and staff in K-12 schools, as well as district level administrators, teachers of education, and anyone interested in increasing student learning.

Schoolwide Action Research for Professional Learning Communities

Schoolwide Action Research for Professional Learning Communities
Author: Karl H. Clauset
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2008-05-15
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1452294720

"Clearly shows the success that can occur when a staff learns together. I highly recommend this book to aspiring and beginning principals, as well as those with years of experience." —Paul Young, Executive Director, West After School Center Former President, National Association of Elementary School Principals Foster schoolwide professional learning through a collaborative action research model! Action research is a popular method for individual educators to examine their practices and grow in their profession. In this how-to guide, readers will learn how Whole-Faculty Study Groups (WFSGs) use action research to involve an entire school in advancing staff learning and school performance. The WFSG model is a type of professional learning community (PLC) that catalyzes school change with schoolwide action research as a central component. With over 20 years of experience, the authors draw from hundreds of examples and case studies to describe how implementing WFSGs can help students, teachers, administrators, and other staff members work collaboratively to improve teacher practice and student learning. The authors′ empirical data and comprehensive approach help deepen educators′ understanding of how to use meaningful action research to strengthen teamwork and realize school reform. Additionally, readers will learn how: The WFSG system compares with other approaches to action research The schoolwide action research process can be applied in a wide variety of school reform efforts Study groups can move from discussion to action Principals and district leaders can support schoolwide action research Discover the ways WFSGs can enhance student learning and result in real school improvement in this highly relevant, must-have guide.

Leading Adult Learning

Leading Adult Learning
Author: Eleanor Drago-Severson
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 369
Release: 2009-09-23
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1452237484

Support the growth and development of all adults—teachers, principals, and superintendents—in your school community! Educators need different kinds of supports and challenges over the different stages of their lives. Drago-Severson’s developmental model of learning-oriented school leadership draws from multiple knowledge domains to help school and district leaders understand how to support professional growth. This volume: Details four Pillar Practices for growth—teaming, providing leadership roles, collegial inquiry, and mentoring Presents research from practicing leaders across the nation Includes resources to assist you in applying this learning-oriented model to your school and school system

Leaders for a Movement

Leaders for a Movement
Author: Vincent A. Anfara
Publisher: IAP
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2003-10-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1607528991

This volume in The Handbook of Research on Middle Level Education gives an introduction to professional preparation and development of middle level teachers and administrators.

Sustaining Professional Learning Communities

Sustaining Professional Learning Communities
Author: Alan M. Blankstein
Publisher: Corwin Press
Total Pages: 225
Release: 2008-02-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 145221199X

Featuring contributions from top educators, the third volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series examines leadership and moral choices and offers strategies for supporting professional learning communities.

Reclaiming Our Teaching Profession

Reclaiming Our Teaching Profession
Author: Shirley M. Hord
Publisher: Teachers College Press
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2015-04-24
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0807771562

Drawing from a wealth of research and experience, this book shows educators how to use the transformative power of professional learning in community to raise the professional stature of educators. The authors, experts in their field, provide clear steps and real-school examples with a focus on collaborative adult learning for student gains, community respect, professional satisfaction, and collegial support. They examine pitfalls and distractions, and show clear images of what empowered Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) look like for teachers, administrators, and leaders at the school and district level. The authors also provide practical tools for advancing and measuring progress. This resource will help educators move from a climate of sanctions to one of mutual trust and support committed to students and dedicated to working and learning together.