A Conceptual Framework for Creating a Professional Learning Community

1. A Conceptual Framework for Creating a Professional Learning Community Presentation #1 September 4, 2013

2. Foundation of PLC: Shared Mission, Vision, Commitments and Goals

3. How we do things…. • Changing the structure of our school without altering the belief system will not produce fundamental changes: “if you want to change and improve the climate and outcomes of schooling-both for students and teachers, there are features of the school culture that have to be changed, and if they are not changed, your well-intentioned efforts will be defeated” Sarason, 1996

4. Schalmont District Mission The staff and community of Schalmont Central School District will provide programs, resources and facilities to foster a positive learning environment. Each individual will be encouraged and assisted to grow emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially to meet the challenges of the future

5. PLC FOUNDATION

6. Examples of Shared Foundation Documents • http://sd54 • http://www.d125.org • http://www.AllThingsPLC.info

7. Example Collective Commitments • Collective commitments: • We will do all things in our power to help students learn. • We believe that the answers to our issues are found within the collectiveknowledge of our staff. We commit to collaborate with each other to find those answers. • We commit to do things that are best for our students even if it might not be the most comfortable thing for adults.

8. Collective Commitments • What are we committed to in order to achieve the mission and vision? • Begin each with the statement; “we will…” • State commitments as actions or behaviors, not beliefs • Limit commitments to a reasonable number- it is better to have fewer that are honored rather than many that are ignored…

9. Example of Collective Commitments • We are committed to consistency and accountability for each student’s success. • We are committed to a system of support for students and adults. • We are committed to a safe, trusting and collaborative environment. • We are committed to best practices. • We are committed to high expectations for learning, behavior and citizenship. • We are committed to quality communication and positive relationships with all stakeholders. • We are committed to effective communication regarding student progress. • We are committed to data-driven decision making. • We are committed to the use of appropriate channels for communication. • We are committed to a guaranteed (consistent) and viable (doable) curriculum. • We are committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility while improving student achievement.

10. Timetable for PLC • Sept 4 - PLC presentation #1: Building Shared Knowledge: Mission, Vision and Collective Commitments • Sept 11 - PLC Presentation #2: Building Shared Knowledge: PLC tenets and SMART goals • Sept 18 – PLC Presentation #3: Structure of teams, setting norms and looking at SMART Goals • Sept 25 – Time for completion of tasks based on presentations • Sept 27 – Professional Development Day, presentation/work time on Common Formative Assessments