"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 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 process-purpose, focus, process, and outcome-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.
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
