A Road Map to PLC Success

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.

Table of Contents:
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

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

Review :
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