On Common Ground: The Power of Professional Learning Communities

by Barbara Eason-Watkins (Contributor), Mike Schmoker (Contributor), Richard DuFour (Editor)

This anthology presents the recommendations of education leaders, and each chapter contributes to a sound conceptual framework and offers specific strategies for developing PLCs. These leaders have found common ground in expressing their belief in the power of PLCs although clear differences emerge regarding their perspectives on the most effective strategy for making PLCs the norm in North America.
Here and Improving Teaching and Learning
On Common The Power of Professional Learning Communities Section 1: Overview of PLCs
Chapter 1: Recurring Themes of Professional Learning Communities and the Assumptions They Challenge
Chapter 2: What Is a Professional Learning Community? Section 2: Critical Questions of PLCs
Chapter 3: Putting It All Standards, Assessment, and Accountability in Successful Professional Learning Communities
Chapter 4: Assessment FOR Building a Culture of Confident Learners
Chapter 5: Mater of Motivation
Chapter 6: Turning Book Burners Into Lifelong Learners Section 3: Creating PLCs
Chapter 7: No Turning The Ironclad Case for Professional Learning Communities
Chapter 8: Leading for Transformation in Teaching, Learning, and Relationships Section 4: Placing PLCs in a Broader Context
Chapter 9: More Effective Professional Learning Communities in Action
Chapter 10: Implementing PLCs in the Chicago Public Schools
Chapter 11: Professional Learning Communities Writ Large Section 5: A Call to Action
Chapter 12: Closing the Knowing-Doing Gap

Genres: Education, Leadership, Professional Development

272 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Hoyt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of individual chapters on learning communities in schools. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and selection of topics and authors. The central theme is the need to refocus teachers, schools, and districts from "teaching" to "facilitating learning" and holding each other and every part of the teaching profession to focusing on ensuring kids learn rather than on simple teaching techniques. It was refreshing to read a book that didn't blame parents but rather fully accepted the responsibilities of schools, distrcts, teachers, and administrators to ensure the kids in their charge learn - consistently and well.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting overview on how to create a community of professional learners in your school. I was glad to read how the "experts" suggest making things work and to heighten my awareness on a methodology that is being promoted in my school district currently. I am going to training on this and Du Four's book provided me with much needed background to take back to my school sites. Not a book anyone NOT in education would want to read at all!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Talked about how educators need to work together and have a common goal to "fix" or change education. Really a series of essays...I liked some of the chapters... I often thought "hey, that is so true" but other chapters repeated old ideas already stated or just didn't seem realistic.

[Len Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about Professional Learning Communities. This is the future of education. Educators have begun to look toward the business world to learn more about leadership and Professional Learning Communities have come out of that.

[Mrs. Kucinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a practical book for application and inspiration. It reminds us the value of implementing an professional learning community.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer on PLC's and a must-read for educators.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting thoughts to ponder! Definitely strong in conveying the importance of working as a team to educate our students today!

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

See Michelle's review.

[Beatrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

There definitely were some good takeaways. However, I found it to be fairly repetitive. Professional learning communities certainly have their place in every school.