Monomoy Professional Learning Communities
- Yearlong, small group
- Educator-facilitated, PLC goal-driven
- In-person
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)-1.5 PDPs/session
September-June
A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a group of educators who collaborate to improve teaching practices and ultimately student growth and achievement.
Key Characteristics of PLCs
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Shared Vision: PLCs operate with a clear and collective goal of ensuring all students learn at high levels.
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Collaborative Culture: Educators learn from, for, and with others in order to identify and embed best practices, problem-solve, and support each other's growth.
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Focus on Student Learning: The primary purpose of a PLC is to improve student outcomes by analyzing student data and making data-driven decisions.
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Continuous Improvement: PLCs engage in ongoing reflection and adjustment of practices to continually achieve better results.
How PLCs Function
PLCs typically follow a cyclical process:
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Identify Learning Goals: Educators collaboratively determine what students should know and be able to do.
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Design Assessment: They create assessments to measure student progress towards those goals.
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Analyze Student Work: Educators collectively examine student data to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
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Plan Instruction: Based on data analysis, educators develop and implement effective instructional strategies.
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Reflect and Revise: The cycle continues as educators evaluate the impact of their actions and make necessary adjustments.
Benefits of PLCs
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Improved student achievement
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Increased teacher collaboration and support
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Enhanced professional growth
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Stronger school culture
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Shared responsibility for student success
In essence, PLCs create a supportive environment where educators learn from each other, share expertise, and work together to ensure all students reach their full potential.