This study used mixed methods to explore the impact of a university-hosted professional learning community (PLC) on teacher retention in public schools. Recent graduates (1-3 years) and mentor teachers were invited to participate. Via a case study approach, participants were challenged to look critically at their teaching and use data to…

Objective: To analyze the scope of realization of professional learning communities with teachers and management teams who implemented that intervention during two years in a high school in the south of Chile. Methodology: In this applied research, teachers participated in phases of diagnosis of training needs for professional development. Based…

This report describes feedback from teachers at the six EEIP [Educator Excellence Innovation Program] schools. EEIP includes implementation of a new teacher appraisal system, student learning objectives, professional learning communities, novice teacher mentoring, and targeted peer observation. [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

During the course of this study, I examine the effective uses of professional learning communities in relation to building leadership capacity among teachers. The literature reviewed illustrates and addresses the need for teachers to see themselves, not only as professionals, but as leaders. This study addresses the effects of this much needed…

The research project will be conducted with a target focus group of six students who have been identified as struggling students in 3rd grade mathematics. The research project will study the effect of using different teaching strategies and methods to increase motivation and focus among these students. The research project will be conducted at…

This report summarizes the 2007-2008 program evaluation results of Austin Independent School District's high school professional learning communities initiative.

This paper explores research and literature related to professional learning communities (PLCs) and describes their attributes and structures, the impact of different environments in which professional learning communities can be sustained, and the benefits for staff and students. There is consensus that PLCs can improve professional practice and…

Educational reform is not easy. As school leaders search for a format that leads to improvement on many fronts concurrently, data teams is one such promising practice. The data team design not only involves sensemaking of data as evidence of effective teaching and learning, but also builds a professional learning community, distributes leadership,…

This qualitative case study investigated a large, suburban, public middle school focusing on educators' perceptions of leadership within their professional learning community. Participants included the principal, administrative team, and key faculty members. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by hand coding and…