Structured journals serve as a valuable framework for supporting professional collaboration and learning within a school and ultimately for improving student achievement. In Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities, the author demonstrates how school teams can use the structured journal process to consider research, reflect on opportunities, and implement new practices that will also address accountability mandates and enhance teachers' instructional repertoire. The book presents five types of structured journals, each with a specific purpose, that can be used by professional learning communities (PLCs). PLC Journal: Facilitating School Reform; Action Research Journal; Teacher as Researcher; School Portfolios; Our School and Its Benefits; Professional Performance Portfolio; Highly Qualified Teacher PLC; Instructional Planning and Aligning Professional Development With Instructional Priorities. Each chapter includes a case study and sample journal illustrating the four-step journaling process: purpose, focus, process, and outcome. Readers will also find strategies for implementing the process, a set of blank journal templates, a glossary of key terms, and a bibliography. The accompanying CD-ROM contains additional templates, strategies, and implementation tools to assist educators in using the structured journal method.
Mary Dietz is an international consultant specializing in assisting educators in building capacity to establish and facilitate learning communities. She is also co-founder of LearnCity, an educational technology firm offering a web-based solution for designing, implementing, and assessing standards-based instruction, K-12. Her work is focused on coaching educational systems through the design and implementation of school reform efforts. Much of her work with educators has been in the areas of continuous improvement, professional development, coaching, and alternative performance assessments for educators. She established the Portfolio Network for the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), dedicated to promoting the portfolio process for professional learning. She has coached teachers, administrators, school boards, and communities in establishing the relationships necessary for systemic change. Most recently she served as designer and facilitator of an online Knowledge Management System for managing standards-based instruction in California.
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 1. 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 2. Professional Learning Community Journal: Facilitating School Reform Background of Professional Learning Communities How to Use the PLC School Reform Journal to Inform Planning Case Study: PLC School Reform Journal School Reform Wrap-up 3. 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 4. District Portfolio of Schools: Constructing a School Portfolio Background of the School Portfolio How to Use the School Portfolio Journal Case Study: School Portfolio Journal School Portfolio Wrap-up 5. 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 6. 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 Guides and Resources for Professional Learning Communities PLC Resource Matrix Systems Planning Model Organizers for the System Planning Model A Guide for Active Listening Guide for Professional Collaboration Thoughtful Questions for Learning Communities Worksheet for Defining Purpose and Priorities School Portfolio Survey A Strategy for Determining 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 Journal Templates Glossary References Index
"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." -- Aminda Gentile, Director "Provides many levels of entry for building professional learning communities. In addition to the step-by-step process and many examples included for novices, the work also provides opportunities and resources for the experienced to reflect, build, challenge, and change." -- Diane G. Patin, Program Director "Whether for grade-level, site-level, or district teams, this book offers straightforward approaches for increasing collaboration and professional growth, and ultimately, improving student outcomes." -- Jodi Servatius, Professor Emerita and Interim Dean, College of Education "Teachers and administrators will find this an invaluable pick." -- California Bookwatch, May 2008
