What do you do when you are expected to meet in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), but you do not think it is possible? Given the research on the implementation of PLCs and connections to improved student success, many schools and districts require teachers participate in these opportunities to analyze student learning. In reality, there are many reasons teachers do not believe they can participate in PLCs. The purpose of this module is to provide information for teachers and administrators to learn ways to overcome barriers to PLC participation.
Directions: While watching the videos about Tanya, Tomas, and Tiffany, you may see the roadblocks you have encountered are more common than you realize. As you view these stories, think about the ways the teachers' experiences relate to the situation at your school.
Directions: While watching the videos about Tanya, Tomas, and Tiffany, you may see the roadblocks you have encountered are more common than you realize. As you view these stories, think about the ways the teachers' experiences relate to the situation at your school.
Click here for a transcript of Tanya Teacher video.
Reflecting on Tanya's troubles:
- How have the economic decisions in education impacted Tanya's ability to participate in PLCs?
- How can other options help Tanya to maximize the education of her students despite these effects?
Click here for a transcript of Tomas Teacher video.
Reflecting on Tomas' troubles:
- How are you like Tomas?
- Could he have successful PLC meetings across all content areas?
- How can he collaborate with other Science teachers outside of his school?
Click here for a transcript of the Tiffany Teacher video.
Unfortunately, Tiffany is falling into the recent social trends regarding the misconceptions of PLC meetings. She needs PLC knowledge training fast!
- How are you like Tiffany?
- Do you know the difference between PLC and grade level/department meetings?
Complete the Roadblock Review to match the barrier to PLC implementation with the teacher who faced that roadblock.
Before exploring the resources and learning ways Tanya, Tomas, and Tiffany can overcome their barriers, it is important to examine your purpose in completing this module. Engaging in self-reflection will prepare you to determine your own road blocks to participating in PLCs. Completion of the pre-assessment is also the first step towards meeting the objectives of this learning module.
Directions: Click the link below for directions regarding how to complete the pre-assessment. If you have already completed the pre-assessment, proceed to Initial Thoughts.
Directions: Click the link below for directions regarding how to complete the pre-assessment. If you have already completed the pre-assessment, proceed to Initial Thoughts.