As a never-ending learner, I know that I often learn best when I am able to talk through the ideas and concepts I am attempting to understand. It is for this reason that I enjoy the opportunity each year to participate in a book study discussion group with a few colleagues. We just received our books yesterday and are planning out meeting times to delve into the wisdom of the DuFours on effective PLCs.
(K) Some of my notions and experiences with PLCs before reading:
* PLCs exist to create cohesive and effective learning situations for students
* Good PLCs use data to drive their discussions
* Good PLCs agree to and follow a set of norms
* PLCs allow teachers to collaborate rather than make things up on their own.
* Sometimes PLC discussions are tough because everybody has different ideas.
* It is important for everybody to be committed to the vision of a PLC or it is hard to work as one.
(W) Some things I hope to gain from this book study, or things I want to know:
* How does one effectively lead a PLC group?
* What are some things my PLC is not doing that could help us be more effective?
* What is the recommendation for number of people involved in a PLC?
* What are some strategies PLCs use to create curriculum together?
* How should/are PLCs held accountable?
(L) I am sure I will be learning many things as I read through this book and discuss it with others; I will post when I learn something new!
* Have you ever done a book study with your colleagues? What was the experience like?
* Have you read the DuFour book Learning By Doing before? What did you think?
* What are your thoughts/want-to-knows about PLCs?
Wow! I have a lot of empathy for you trying to read a book as well as wrapping up the year! I have not read the book, but it sounds interesting. I think we are asked to do a lot with our PLCs but I feel like the timing is never quite right for it. BEfore school is tough, as we all have so much to do before the students get here.
ReplyDeleteWe have never done a book club before--I just think my colleagues would laugh if I asked them to do anything that would require more time! Excited to hear how it goes for you and your PLC.
Betsy! I'm doing the same book study! :) I like doing these book studies because I learn so much from listening to other people discuss the topic. My first two years of teaching, I was asked to be the PLC co-facilitator in my building. I attended the many trainings and read many different articles/book/info regarding the topic. What I've noticed is that while every district may use the term "PLC" it is not practiced in similar ways. It took ISD 279 a really long time to institute PLC's (after 8 years they say they've got a good hang of it!) to the full effect. In our district, I notice that each school views/uses PLC's differently. I'm excited to see how the information and discussions from this book transform or impact that practice at the MS. I definitely think PLC's can have a powerful impact on student achievement but getting everyone on the same page is a critical starting point. :)
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