Articles & Research

For an overview of PLCs, see What Is a “Professional Learning Community”?

Successful PLCs are committed to professional learning for continuous improvement. Here you’ll find our officially recommended readings on foundational questions and implementation issues, as well as news on successful PLC districts and schools. (Note: Articles are subject to copyright laws. Please secure the permission of the copyright owner before duplicating.)

Creating a Professional Learning Community: Cottonwood Creek School

Hord, S. (1998).
Issues . . . About Change 6(2), 1–8.

Critical Facilitator’s Guide. Professional Learning Communities and Instructional Coaching

(1998).
Providence, RI: Brown University Teaching and Learning Supports

Cultivating Collaboration: The Science Behind Thriving Labor-Management Relationships

Anrig, G. (2013).
American Educator, pp. 5–13

Daily Mentoring: The Fast Track to Strong Teaching Skills

Cunningham, J. (2002).
Leadership 31(4), 35-36.

Data Delivers a Wake-up Call: 5-Year Plan Unites Teachers Into a Collaborative Culture

McIntosh, J., & White, S. (2007).
Journal of Staff Development 28(2).

Despite Rough Seas, Teachers in Maine Swim Together

Rhoads, Kyle (2011).
JSD: The Learning Forward Journal Vol. 32 No. 2.

Developing a Substantive Professional Learning Community

Hinman, C. (2006).
National Forum of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal 24(1), 29–35.

Districts Speak With One Voice: Clarity and Coherence Come From Professional Learning Communities

Many, T., & King, D. (2008).
Journal of Staff Development 29(3), 28–30.

Do We Believe That They Can Learn?

Muhammad, A. (2006).
National Forum of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal 24(1), 14–20.

Educators Must Accept the Challenge to Be Professional

Muhammad, A. (2006).
Leading Change 5(2), 14.

Effective Instructional Leadership: How to CRAFT Meaningful Evaluations for Administrators and Educators

Olverson, T. L., Ross, Z. Q., & Sampson, R. G. (2008).
Principal Navigator 3(2), 19–21.

The Elements of a Professional Learning Community

Jessie, L. (2007).
Leadership Compass 5(2), 1–3.

Emotional Intelligence: The Link to School Leadership Practices That Increases Student Achievement

Wendorf-Heldt, K. K. (2009).
Doctoral dissertation, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Enhancing Student Learning: Create Profound Achievement Gains Through Formative Assessments

Chappuis, J., & Stiggins, R. (2008, January).
District Administrator 44(1), 42–44.

Finding Time for Teams: Student Achievement Grows as District Support Boosts Collaboration

Johnston, J., Knight, M., & Miller, L. (2007).
Journal of Staff Development 28(2), 14–19.