This has been a very busy week researching. I have again gained so much in this week. I am getting very pumped about my research project. This week, week 3, I have created an action research plan.
My goals and objectives are:
To implement Professional Learning Communities at my campus for the first time.
To grow professional as individuals and as a campus.
Increase testing scores.
Activities:
Research other schools that use PLCs.
Decide how my campus can utilize these findings.
Create a small PLC formed from volunteers for the first year.
Resouces/Research needed:
Computer and In-person research for other PLCs.
Interviews from other schools with PLCs to determine what they deem are their strengths and weaknesses.
Timeline:
1 school year - voluntary PLC
2nd school year - pending success of voluntary PLC, create PLCs campus wide
Persons responsible for Implementation:
L.Welborn and principal
Volunteers for first PLC
Process for Monitoring Achievement:
My principal will be the guide for the 1st PLC. We will discuss our findings and wonderings with him.
Assessment Instruments to Evaluate Effectiveness:
My principal will assess the success of the voluntary PLC and make necessary changes to implement campus wide.
Visibly see teachers constantly evolving their teaching strategies to demonstrate best practices.
Test data - local benchmarks and state tests.
Lindy,
ReplyDeleteI commend you for undergoing such a worthy and monumental task. Your research will undoubtedly bring about change at your campus - in the very least you will have established PLCs at your school. Kudos for already being a great school leader. You’re the goals and outcomes you have set are most admirable.
PLCs are definitely needed at every school. I find they are one of the very best tools to have on campus. They are an excellent resource for new and seasoned teachers alike. Most real improvement, as well as, implementation of various programs and requests have came by way of our PLCs. I think you have outlined a good draft to begin. Hopefully you’ll have a supportive principal. If so, you’ll see your learning communities to sail far past the formation page. Many teachers welcome PLCs even if they have not be involved with them before. Some are just unaware of what they are or perhaps a bit reluctant to change. But stay focus and you’ll soon have a support group of colleagues that will be grateful for your vision. PLCs can be nurtured into creating a wonderful atmosphere and school environment that will only continue to improve immeasurably. I look forward to seeing the steps to take and hearing about your subsequent progress. Best Wishes – ‘Mr. Ruby’
Lindy...I like your plan! The only thing I wonder about, is the 1 yr timeframe, and whether or not it's too long, because you may graduate the program before you're able to see the project through to completion (till the end of this coming school yr in May or June), and how then might this affect the process of keeping those of us following you appraised?
ReplyDeleteLanora aka L-Mac
Great job on your plan! I hope your colleagues are willing to work as hard as you on this project.
ReplyDeleteMy concerns are:
How often will you guys meet?
Will your principal provide the time for the meetings?
Will he/she be at every meeting?
Does the principal have a final say so on what teachers should participate at this time?
Once you start looking at the details, make sure you have someone who keeps up with the minutes, and ensures active participation from all its members.
Lindy,
ReplyDeletePLC's are the way to go. I totally agree with you. Research has proven that they not only work but work great if done properly. One of my concerns is that the colleagues that are willing to work with you are they properly trained and are running the program correctly? I would make your principal commit to set monitoring meetings with you so this way he/she is always in the loop. You know the more they are informed the more they feel they are a part of it. Especially if the project starts getting positive recognition. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your journey.
Thank you all for your awesome suggestions! You have raised questions and thoughts I hadn't begun to think of yet. Thanks again!
ReplyDelete