Professional Learning Communities

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a long-standing challenge in U.S. schools to the forefront: more than two-thirds of students cannot read at grade level. Alarmingly, if students are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade, they are more likely to drop out. This realization has sparked a growing interest in the science of reading, a decades-long body of interdisciplinary research that examines the multifaceted nature of reading development. By embedding the science of reading into instructional practices, teachers can ensure students recognize words and understand their meaning—thus supporting reading fluency.

Build a defensible body of evidence for every student. The IMPACT framework and the seven design principles of competency-based learning, as presented in this book, make this practical and doable for professional learning communities. This framework helps with clarifying learning expectations, planning assessments, and establishing protocols for proficient performance.

Build a mindset for collaborative learning using the problem-based learning approach. With a guided plan and scenarios designed to facilitate a shift in thinking, leaders and teacher teams will walk away feeling mentally prepared to navigate the PLC process.

Equip your students with the literacy support they need to think, read, and write like mathematicians. With literacy strategies that form students’ ability to estimate, interpret, reason, and understand cause-and-effect relationships, teachers can prepare students for their future beyond school.

The fourth edition of this comprehensive action guide provides new strategies for leveraging PLC for a highly effective multitiered system of supports, expert-led guidance on school culture, and a deeper discussion on connecting school improvement to the mission of helping all students succeed.

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NOW AVAILABLE: Taking Action (2nd ed.) AI Book Assistant–an interactive companion that helps educators easily explore, understand, and apply principles with confidence.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and transforming education. While the tools are increasingly accessible and society at large has embraced the power of AI, most teachers are not using it. One of their biggest barrier to entry? Time. Now, you can master AI tools for your classroom on your own schedule!

This book aims to help school leaders build and develop teacher leaders with ten essential skills. From conflict resolution skills to decision-making skills and self-confidence skills, Jasmine K. Kullar leaves teachers empowered to lead the PLC at Work® process.

In this book, the authors provide the guidance and resources for schools to use the four pillars as the root of their PLC process. Discover strategies and tools to audit your mission statement, understand the role of a guiding coalition, and create collective commitments.

Designed for teachers and leaders who want to disrupt the status quo, bust out of PLC Lite, and persistently pursue a culture of continuous improvement, this book carries it all. It emphasizes creating a student-centered approach to teaching and learning in a PLC that prioritizes student agency and efficacy.

Simplicity of the PLC process and energy to drive the work are essential for teams to collaborate successfully. Author Maria Nielsen provides you with the structure and tools you need to confidently utilize both of these staples to become a high-functioning professional learning community.