Paige Elliott: 'What are all of the teachers doing, Mrs. Elliott?'

My school has the fortunate opportunity to adjust the schedule once each week for "late arrival." Students arrive one hour late, while teachers arrive at their normal time. Different schools may have different practices. For instance, some schools provide teachers with a common planning period or lunch period. Whatever the case, specific time is dedicated to the purpose of allowing teachers to meet in what they call a "PLC," or professional learning community.

Now the purpose of these PLCs is to focus on learning, not necessarily teaching. Rick DuFour, an educator and researcher, explains in Getting Started: Reculturing Schools to Become Professional Learning Communities that such schools that focus on learning are schools that:

• were united by a shared vision, collective commitments, and common goals;
• involved teachers in collaborative teams that considered the important questions of teaching and learning;
• integrated continuous improvement processes into their regular practices; and
• focused on results.

Because teachers are interested in the success of all students, it is important for teachers to learn from each other and focus on the learning of all students. Groups are formed based on various factors, from grade level to subject to department.

In the collaboration process, we ask: What it is we want students to learn in each subject, grade level, or course? How will we assess what students know and can do? What is our plan for responding to students who aren't learning?

Together, we address short and long term goals. Educators engage in research-based and data-driven plans. Since each PLC may be focusing on a different aspect of student learning, no two PLCs may look the same or be at the same points in their research, planning, and discussion. The important thing is that teachers are collectively focusing on the learning of all students.

The concept of learning from each other and sharing ideas is not new. Various businesses and professions have employed this method for years, even educators. The difference now is the "formal" implementation of the practice to WCPSS. The bottom line is that educators are actively seeking ways to help students be successful.

Hear more about Paige's views on professional learning communities in the WCPSS Podcast.