When teachers learn from each other, students reap the benefits. The first in a series exploring each of Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning, this book helps readers understand what it takes to establish and maintain professional learning communities (PLCs) so they increase educator effectiveness and provide the best outcomes for students. This definitive volume details how the Learning Forward standards for professional learning can be applied successfully in any school, and includes: An original essay designed to stretch readers’ thinking by introducing the underlying theory, research, and practice behind learning communities A guide to implementing the Learning Communities standard, with an overview of six critical attributes of PLCs and the seven-step cycle of continuous improvement A case study of the district-wide implementation of PLCs, containing detailed analysis of what worked.

Make your school a place where professional learning thrives This volume, part of Learning Forward’s series on its seven Standards for Professional Learning, shows school leaders how to orchestrate a learning environment that empowers teachers to take charge of their own development. Features include: An original essay by Karen Seashore Louis on creating a school culture where all adults are part of the enterprise of continuous learning Strategies, tools, and examples focused on the leader’s role in promoting professional learning A case study of one district’s success in improving outcomes for students by building trust, developing collaborative capacity, and fostering leadership at all levels

Your path to implementation success starts here! Get the knowledge and know-how to put Leaning Forward’s Standards of Professional Learning into practice with this thoroughly researched book from recognized leaders in the field. Deepen your knowledge of the standards and learn to: Use professional learning as a powerful lever for long-term change Invest in human and social capital to promote school-wide success through an original “think piece” by Michael Fullan Connect the standards to your site-specific needs Includes an overview of the standard, an inspirational case study, and, an array of practical tools. Discover what it takes to implement lasting, high-impact improvements in teaching and learning. This expert resource will show you how!

When teachers use data effectively, students see results. Learning Forward is a leader in understanding and advancing professional learning that leads to student success. This series explores Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning, which outline the characteristics of effective professional learning. In this volume, the authors explore the crucial function of data for designing, implementing, and evaluating professional learning. The book’s features include: An original "think piece" by Thomas Guskey on using data in deliberate and thoughtful ways in the context of professional learning Specific implementation strategies that focus on analyzing student, educator, and system data and assessing progress A detailed case study of one district’s journey to successful use of data and how it led to measurable improvement in student achievement Learning to collect, analyze and use data is an essential component of professional development. When schools are able to make data work for them, students are the ones who benefit.

Secure the resources needed to support educator professional growth! Learning Forward is a leader in understanding and advancing professional learning that leads to student success. This series explores Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning, which outline the characteristics of effective professional learning that, collectively, advance teaching and learning. In this volume, you will learn creative strategies for prioritizing, monitoring, and coordinating the resources required for educator learning and student success. This book includes: An original essay by Karen Hawley Miles and Anna Sommers on how school systems can reconfigure people, time, technology, and money to improve and sustain educator growth Implementation strategies, practical tools, and specific examples for maximizing resources—especially time—for teacher learning A case study of how Dearborn Public Schools, Michigan, shifted existing resources to drive professional learning despite tough economic times Learn how wise management of professional learning resources can help achieve stronger outcomes for your educators and students!

Dramatically improve schooling by harnessing the collective power of the High Reliability SchoolsTM (HRS) model and the PLC at Work® process. Featuring some of America's best educators, this anthology includes information, insights, and practical suggestions for both PLCs and HRS. The overarching purpose is to demonstrate how these two approaches, taken together, complement each other and support educators in their efforts to create a culture of continuous improvement. Use this resource to ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum: Study the HRS and PLC practices with guidance from numerous practitioners and experts, developing good teachers into great teachers through a culture of accountability. Learn how to keep your school focused on the right work in order to achieve learning for all through a continuous improvement process. Understand how the HRS model can improve success with the PLC process and how the PLC at Work process is the cornerstone of a high reliability school. Explore the ways in which strong leaders can model and improve the why and how of PLC at Work through a collaborative culture. Explore the five levels of the HRS model, and then learn how to relate each level to PLC at Work process to improve education in your school or district. Contents: Introduction: Professional Learning Communities at Work and High Reliability Schools—Merging Best Practices for School Improvement by Robert J. Marzano and Robert Eaker Part I: The Five Levels A Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture 1. Culture Building in a High Reliability School by Mario Acosta 2. Frames of Mind and Tools for Success: Organizational Culture in a PLC by Anthony Muhammad Effective Teaching in Every Classroom 3. Six Steps for Effective Teaching in Every Classroom by Toby Boss 4. Effective Teaching in a Professional Learning Community by William M. Ferriter A Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum 5. Six Action Steps for a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum by Jan K. Hoegh 6. PLC, HRS, and a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum by Heather Friziellie and Julie A. Schmidt Standards-Referenced Reporting 7. A Multiyear Plan for Standards-Referenced Reporting by Tammy Heflebower 8. Grading and Reporting for Learning in a PLC by Eric Twadell Competency-Based Education 9. Personalized, Competency-Based Education by Mike Ruyle 10. Preparation for Tomorrow: A Competency-Based Focus and PLCs by Mike Mattos Part II: Professional Learning Communities, High Reliability Organizations, and School Leadership 11. High Reliability Leadership by Philip B. Warrick 12. Leadership in a PLC: Coherence and Culture by Timothy D. Kanold Part III: Professional Learning Communities, High Reliability Organizations, and District Leadership 13. Leadership in High Reliability School Districts by Cameron L. Rains 14. Leadership in a High Performing PLC by Marc Johnson

Make your school a place where professional learning thrives This volume, part of Learning Forward’s series on its seven Standards for Professional Learning, shows school leaders how to orchestrate a learning environment that empowers teachers to take charge of their own development. Features include: An original essay by Karen Seashore Louis on creating a school culture where all adults are part of the enterprise of continuous learning Strategies, tools, and examples focused on the leader’s role in promoting professional learning A case study of one district’s success in improving outcomes for students by building trust, developing collaborative capacity, and fostering leadership at all levels