How to Develop PLCs for Singletons and Small Schools

by Aaron Hansen

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

69 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the leader of a small middle school in Nevada, Hansen was able to improve student achievement and the collaborative culture of the school by shifting some of the standing structures that were in place. This short book lays out strategies for small schools to create a meaningful, collaborative learning environment for staff members. Small schools often face unique challenges when it comes to collaboration, because there is often only one teacher for a grade or content area, rather than a team that can create common learning expectations and assessments. As I currently work in a district where this is the case, this book really helped me focus in on some key ideas that are helping me visualize and shape the district's professional development plan for next year. Even for those working in larger school systems, there are always outlier teachers who don't have an obvious "team" to collaborate with. I highly recommend this book to anyone leading professional learning!

[Spacek Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professional Learning Communities can be successful in small schools where singleton classes/teachers are challenged to work with a group of teachers that teach the same or similar subjects. The key is to guide teachers out of isolation into collaboration where common goals and assessments can guide instruction. Vertical teams and interdisciplinary teams can get teachers together to talk about what students need to learn to be successful.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice read on the way PLCs can and do function in a variety of different settings. I would recommend this book to teachers and administrators.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be referring back to this one again for sure. It has convinced me. I have already reached out to curriculum coordinators at other schools, hoping to get more professional support for myself.

[Nicholas French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read that offers unique insight I to the PLC process for small schools and or singleton staff.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful insight on common pitfalls of establishing effective PLC team time and how to focus on keeping the main thing the main thing.

[KeetonReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relevant and helpful suggestions.

[Tracy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not revolutionary, not helpful.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 could use more examples and practical advice

[Alison Zipper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy read. Helpful to better understand how PLCs can work and are working for school districts. I did this as a summer PD. It is the second PLC PD I've done, and I understand the process and idea behind them better than I did before.

[Madison Kozeny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides a much needed perspective for small schools. Despite that, depending on your role, you may only get one or two strategies that work for your school in this short book. It seems to be best suited for principals seeking workable systems for their small school’s PLC work or for principals seeking to include special area teachers in PLC work.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has many common sense option for teachers who do not have others within their school teaching similar subjects or grade levels. A short read which needs further discussion with Principals and Teachers to implement solutions to the problem of singletons.

[Gamble Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

All students can achieve! A must read for all educators!