1st Edition

A Road Map to PLC Success

By Sean McWherter Copyright 2017
    134 Pages 28 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    134 Pages 28 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    134 Pages 28 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    Educators often have trouble properly implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) because they simply don’t know how the process is supposed to work. By cutting through the fluff and generalities, this book provides a clear road map that takes school leaders step-by-step through the entire PLC process. Each chapter addresses a foundational component or protocol necessary for building successful team-based learning communities, using real life examples to help teachers and leaders understand how to integrate this process and avoid common pitfalls that inhibit implementation. Whether you’re just starting the PLC process or you’re looking to get more out of your PLCs, this book will lead you to continued student and teacher growth, regardless of current achievement levels, socioeconomic status, or impending curricular changes.

    Contents

    Meet the Author

    Preface

    Acknowledgements

    Chapter 1: What page are you on?

    Expectations

    Common Terms with Uncommon Meanings

    Formative Assessments

    Summative Assessments

    Chapter 2: Getting Started

    Logistics

    Chapter 3: Understanding the Process part 1

    Pace Yourself

    Pacing Guide

    Unpacking Standards

    Learning Targets and Alignment

    Curriculum Guides

    Common Lesson Plans

    Conclusion

    Chapter 4: Understanding the Process part 2

    Common Assessments

    Determining Proficiency

    Planning Common Assessments

    Making Common Assessments

    Length of Assessments

    Standards per Assessment

    Vetting Common Assessments

    Common Reassessments (Quizzes vs. Tests)

    Quizzes

    Tests

    Raising the Bar

    Conclusion

    Chapter 5: Understanding the Process part 3

    Using the Data

    Using Common Assessment Data

    Too Cold

    Too Hot

    Just Right

    Four Letter Words

    Make Time to Target Student Needs

    Scheduling for Students with Special Needs

    How Does Grading Work?

    What Students are Reassessed?

    How are Students Reassessed?

    Minimum Grading Policy

    Conclusion

    Chapter 6: Guiding the Conversation

    Introduction

    The First Meeting

    The Second Meeting

    The Third Meeting

    Meeting Overlaps

    Chapter 7: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

    Introduction

    Focus on Core Instruction

    Beware the Land of Nice

    Collaboration

    Getting Started

    Too much Too Soon

    Presence

    Functionality

    All or Nothing VS Something is Better Than Nothing

    Chapter 8: putting it all Together

    Mapping out the Process, Foundations, and Protocols

    Understanding the Process

    Plan your Protocols

    Commitment

     

    Biography

    Dr. Sean McWherter is Executive Director of Support Services for Asheboro City Schools, North Carolina, USA.

     

    Analyzing common assessment results through the data-driven decision making process in order to adjust instruction and improve student learning is the essential purpose of a true PLC. The value of McWherter’s book is in its practical, how-to approach that all administrators and teachers can follow to ensure that their PLCs are functioning at maximum potential: laying the proper foundation first, following established protocols, and avoiding the pitfalls that block effective collaboration.

    • Larry Ainsworth, author of Common Formative Assessments 2.0: How Teacher Teams Intentionally Align Standards, Instruction, and Assessment

     

     

    "A Road Map to PLC Success is a great tool for educational leaders and administrators.  It breaks down the steps in creating or revamping the Professional Learning Community (PLC) in the school setting.  PLCs have been around and well-established for over a decade, yet most are not meeting their full potential.  This book helps leaders understand the process of creating a successful PLC. It offers real-life examples and is easily readable.  I’d highly recommend for anyone wanting to start the PLC process or revive their current PLC."

    • Amy Ramsdell, Ed.D., Assistant Principal, Ozark High School, MO