Blog
Both Sides of the Pyramid: Behavior and Academics
“It’s hard to do the collaborative work of a professional learning community if your school is struggling with student behavior and school climate issues,” commented a teacher at . . . Read more
How Can Districts Build the Self-Efficacy of Their Principals?
As Rick DuFour and Robert J. Marzano state in Leaders of Learning, “Creating a PLC will always require a collective effort, but the fate of that effort will depend to a large extent on the . . . Read more
Persistence in a PLC at Work™
In today’s world of fads, quick fixes, and instant feedback, educators are not immune to the temptation of jumping on the latest bandwagon. Indeed, many criticize our industry for... Read more
Focusing on What Matters
I currently serve as director of secondary curriculum for Papillion-La Vista Public Schools. About eight years ago, the district began to learn about and ultimately implement professional learning . . . Read more
Despite Rough Seas, Teachers in Rural Maine Swim Together
“Despite Rough Seas, Teachers in Rural Maine Swim Together” by Kyle Rhoads (April 2011 JSD) describes how an elementary school principal led community building with the help of coaches . . . Read more
Let’s Not Stop With Pockets of Excellence!
Schools throughout the country engaged in the PLC at Work™ process have been creating effective teams focused on student learning. However, all too often we have seen these schools struggle... Read more
Common Core Implementation in a PLC - Part 3 of 3
Change can be a challenge for schools—for the individuals within the school, as well as for the school as a whole. Common Core (CC) implementation presents the opportunity... Read more
Common Core Implementation in a PLC - Part 2 of 3
The role of the principal is key in helping a school move forward with Common Core (CC) implementation. As an elementary school principal now in my third principalship assignment , I recognize principal leadership as an opportunity and a responsibility... Read more
Common Core Implementation in a PLC - Part 1 of 3
A new school year has begun—the 33rd new school year for me. Every year holds great anticipation and excitement as we welcome back students. I finally stopped having the recurring nightmare of sleeping in on the first day of school or coming to school in my pajamas... Read more
Achieving Unprecedented Learning Results for Students With Disabilities in a PLC
I was recently asked how our school had such great success in helping students with special needs learn at high levels and how, as a PLC school, we work collaboratively to achieve unprecedented . . . Read more
Revitalizing Your PLC
Educators have a rare opportunity every summer to rest, relax, and recharge. Most people in many other businesses and professions do not have the same luxury. Sure, they can take vacations, but . . . Read more
Leadership and the PLC
Anyone who has ever worked to implement the professional learning community process knows just how challenging the work can be. Finding time for teachers to collaborate is challenging. The work associated with creating common pacing guides... Read more
In Hot Pursuit of the Wrong Question
I received a question from a school that was contemplating a change in its grading scale from 60 percent to 70 percent in order for students to earn a passing grade. The school asked for my opinion . . . Read more
The PLC Hiring Process at Mason Crest Elementary
In their new book The School Leader’s Guide to Professional Learning Communities at Work™ (2012), Rick and Becky DuFour write about the hiring process that should take place when . . . Read more
How Is Time Spent During Your Team Meetings?
It was many years ago, and my elementary school was very large, over 2,000 students. There were 12 of us teaching third grade. We thought our survival depended on us working together. We met weekly . . . Read more