Sept. Oiler Way of Learning- "What are PLCs?" by Lindsay Doolittle

PLC Description

2024-10-01 17:26:41 UTC

A PLC is whole school effort in order define what we want kids to know and the measures by which we get there.

-Roethe

Key to Improved Learning...

2024-10-01 17:27:41 UTC

The world is ever changing, as are our kids. If we stop learning, we will not be able to teach future students.

-Roethe

Big Three Ideas...

2024-10-01 17:31:17 UTC

I'd say I feel most strongly about - A Focus on Learning: Idea 1. It is important that ALL students learn. But not all students learn in the same ways. We want every student to become the best version of themselves as possible. Teach them in the way that they learn best. I like the idea that all students not learn, not just all students being presented the opportunity to learn.

-Roethe

Our Building...

2024-10-01 17:32:15 UTC

I could see it being very beneficial if there is enough buy in.

-Roethe

Most challenging...

2024-10-01 17:34:33 UTC

I think we have a good start at a lot of these. I think having enough time to work collaboratively to have common goals and assessments could be a challenge.

-Roethe

2024-10-02 12:41:51 UTC

A PLC is made up of educators who work in collaboration to enhance the learning and culture of a school. This can be done through meetings, evaluating data and results and facilitating teamwork across various subject areas.

Cari Mueller

2024-10-02 12:43:34 UTC

I agree with this statement. As educators, we also need to be learners. The more aware we are of current research and data the better we can facilitate learning environments for our kids.

Cari Mueller

2024-10-02 12:46:55 UTC

I feel most strongly about "Results Orientation." As with any initiative, it is important to focus on how our actions and strategies actually affect the learning and growth of our students. By continuosly assessing the results of our efforts, we can learn which stategies work best for which students. This enables us to continue course or modify strategies to better fit the needs of our students.

Cari Mueller

2024-10-02 12:48:51 UTC

Yes I can. As a staff, when we work together toward a similar goal, we are successful. CPT would be a good time to gather in both small groups and whole group to discuss PLC goals and results.

Cari Mueller

2024-10-02 12:51:32 UTC

Finding time to work in PLC communities may be a challenge for staff members. Once again, CPT may be a good time to take the initial steps of forming small groups and meeting with cross-curricular teachers to discuss the goals and desired outcomes. As with any initiative, it is very important the the faculty be on the same page and striving for the same results.

Cari Mueller

PLC Description

jdaniels95 — 2024-10-02 15:55:08 UTC

It's an all-hands-on-deck educational environment that values student learning and collaborative planning using a policy system that encourages both.

-Daniels

Key...

jdaniels95 — 2024-10-02 15:58:02 UTC

I agree that teachers have to continue adding skills throughout their career through learning. The teacher I am now isn't because I got smarter! It's because I put in a lot of time to understand my profession better and added tools to my skill set.

-Daniels

Big 3...

jdaniels95 — 2024-10-02 16:00:46 UTC

I really feel as if the "Results Orientation" is likely the most important and it's probably the one that is the most challenging for teachers. It's hard enough to plan week to week, but I think teachers such as myself should be thinking less about what to teach and thinking more about how to analyze student assessments in order to implement practices that address any shortfalls of student understanding.

-Daniels

jdaniels95 — 2024-10-02 16:03:20 UTC

I think it would be tough. Honestly, a lot of teachers don't like being told how and what to teach, which I understand, but creates huge problems when trying to foster a PLC culture. It's definitely possible and it HAS to start with everyone being committed to making it work.

-Daniels

jdaniels95 — 2024-10-02 16:06:23 UTC

The most challenging one is for us to all feel responsible for achieving common goals (#2). I think it will be hard to get departments or divisions to work well together as a team instead of a group of isolated instructors.

-Daniels

PLC

2024-10-08 13:14:39 UTC

A Professional Learning Community (PLC) in a school is a group of teachers who collaborate to improve teaching and student outcomes. They meet regularly to share ideas, analyze student data, and adjust teaching methods. The goal is for teachers to learn and grow together to enhance student success. Lawson

Key

2024-10-08 13:17:41 UTC

Yes, continuous job-embedded learning for educators is key to improving student learning. It helps teachers stay updated on best practices and adapt their methods to meet students' needs. This ongoing development leads to more effective teaching and better student outcomes. Lawson

Big 3

2024-10-08 13:21:56 UTC

I believe a focus on learning is the most important idea. When learning is the main goal, teachers and students work together best. Prioritizing student learning ensures that teaching strategies, classroom decisions, and school culture are all geared toward helping every student succeed. Lawson

Adapted

2024-10-08 13:24:48 UTC

Yes, our school could definitely use adapted (PLCs) to better fit our specific needs for development. How? Adapted PLCs can provide a flexible and specific approach to professional development, making them effective in teaching and learning at our school. Lawson

Challenge

2024-10-08 13:28:58 UTC

The most challenging PLC for many schools would be collective responsibility. This element requires all educators to feel accountable for the learning outcomes of all students, not just those in their own classrooms. This way, all teachers can feel like they are part of a group that cares about helping every student succeed. When everyone works together, it makes a big difference in student learning. Lawson

A PLC is a school- or district-wide effort to improve student learning, as well as school climate/culture. Teachers are organized into smaller groups, usually by content area, in order to implement the strategies/improvements decided upon by the PLC as a whole. -K. Miller

2024-10-08 13:36:04 UTC

I agree. Teachers and teaching techniques need to evolve in order to do the best job possible for the students and communities we serve. When we know what research-based best practices are effective and use them in our classrooms, student engagement and learning improves. -K. Miller

2024-10-08 13:38:49 UTC

2024-10-08 13:48:04 UTC

Having a "results orientation" is the most important aspect of the Big Ideas. It combines the increased focus on learning and collaboration in order to produce results for our students. It also is the time during which we analyze what is working for our students and what isn't and adjust procedures and techniques accordingly. This leads to a cycle of trying new things and learning. The other aspect of having a results orientation that's vital is that it's not a "top down" initiative, but one led by the people it directly impacts: the teachers and the students. K. Miller

2024-10-08 14:02:44 UTC

Yes, I can see us using PLCs. We already have CPT time built into our daily schedule, so it's a logical time to meet as a staff or in small groups (and how we already use that time). Our staff does a great job of collaborating and working together toward shared goals. K. Miller

2024-10-08 14:11:05 UTC

With any new initiative, collective buy-in is the biggest challenge. I think the majority of our staff works really well together as departments/divisions, because those groups share common subjects and goals. But as a staff, we aren't always as unified when it comes to school- or district-wide initiatives. Some of the elements of PLC implementation are going to be uncomfortable for some staff (e.g. changing or modifying teaching styles, getting rid of late work grades, etc.). Those are challenging conversations, but unless we all agree to work at those things, this won't be successful. K. Miller

aclendenny — 2024-10-08 17:35:08 UTC

A PLC aims to foster a culture of learning and improvement among educators to enhance the educational experience for all students. Members focus on common goals, often centered around student learning and achievement. Teachers engage in regular discussions, share best practices, and support one another in their professional development. PLCs often use data to assess student performance and inform instructional strategies. Members reflect on their teaching practices and seek ongoing professional growth.

Clendenny

Key to improved Learning

aclendenny — 2024-10-08 17:37:40 UTC

Job-embedded learning focuses on real classroom situations, allowing educators to directly apply new skills and strategies to their teaching. Working alongside colleagues fosters a culture of shared knowledge and support, enhancing professional relationships and collective efficacy. Educators can receive timely feedback from peers and supervisors, which helps them refine their practices and adjust their approaches effectively. Continuous learning allows educators to stay current with best practices, research, and innovations, adapting their teaching to meet diverse student needs. Ongoing professional development helps educators cultivate a growth mindset, encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities for improvement.

Clendenny

Three Big Ideas

aclendenny — 2024-10-08 18:13:39 UTC

I believe that "Results Orientation" is the most important of the big three ideas. We can analyze the results to know what is and is not working and make adjustments to our teaching based on the results.

Clendenny

Adapted PLC

aclendenny — 2024-10-08 18:20:01 UTC

I could see us using an adapted PLC model in our school. It would take everyone working together to make it work.

Clendenny

Tight Elements

aclendenny — 2024-10-08 19:22:51 UTC

Developing collective responsibility requires a fundamental shift in mindset, where educators move away from the traditional "my students, my classroom" mentality and instead adopt a "our students, our school" perspective. This mindset change can be challenging, as it requires educators to step outside their comfort zones and embrace a more holistic view of student success.

Clendenny

PLC Description

2024-10-08 19:40:31 UTC

A PLC is a group of educators all on the same page for the learning goals of the school who are willing to work together for the good of the students across all the subject areas.

Lincicum

PLC in a nutshell

2024-10-08 19:53:23 UTC

PLCs are collaborative teams with a shared focus and goal. The focus is to assess and enhance student learning through purposeful collaboration between educators.

-Arment

Continuous Job-embedded learning

2024-10-08 19:54:11 UTC

We are living in a digital age and technology is changing constantly. It is essential to participate in professional development and then have time to apply the new tips and tricks we learn so we can keep education current, relevant, and useful for preparing our students and keeping them safe.

_ Lincicum

3 Big Ideas

2024-10-08 20:02:16 UTC

Collaborative Culture & Responsibility

Together we rise, together we Thrive. Helping each other navigate the ever-changing challenges of providing a solid education to students with all the outside baggage and responsibilities in a 24/7 digital world is tough to do alone. Too often we are alone in our efforts, our own little islands gathering for meetings then returning to our classrooms. When we work as a team and look out for our peers as well as our students people feel supported and want to work better. Mentoring new teachers, training new staff to the expectations and providing support for everyone is essential in collaboration.

-Lincicum

PLCs are a group of teachers who have common goals. They share in the responsibility of individual student learning at a high level.

2024-10-08 20:03:25 UTC

The key

2024-10-08 20:04:09 UTC

I agree. The field of education is changing as rapidly as the world around us is. The students of today are not the same as the students of five years ago and will not be the same as the students of tomorrow. As teachers, we are the constant and it is our responsibility to continue developing into the teacher the students of tomorrow will need. We must keep learning and growing in order to keep being effective educators.

-Arment

PLC Model Here

2024-10-08 20:04:14 UTC

It would be beneficial.... will enough people think so and work to achieve this... perhaps during CPT or department meetings we already do some of this.

-Lincicum

Yes, continuing to grow as an educator is imperative to student learning. We cannot expect our students to grow, if we are unwilling to learn new tools and tricks of the trade.

2024-10-08 20:06:07 UTC

Tight Elements

2024-10-08 20:06:29 UTC

Working collaboratively - We do some areas of collaboration well... We already have a lot of meetings, so finding time or adding one more thing may be met with resistance...

Lincicum

I think educator buy in is important. The more people on board, the more successful it will be.

2024-10-08 20:07:50 UTC

sjones49 — 2024-10-08 20:10:01 UTC

I think educators buy in is important. The more people on board, the more successful it will be.--Jones

sjones49 — 2024-10-08 20:11:18 UTC

PLCs are a group of teachers who have common goals. They share in the responsibility of individual student learning at a high level. --Jones

sjones49 — 2024-10-08 20:13:41 UTC

Yes, continuing to grow as an educator is imperative to student learning. We cannot expect our students to grow, if we are unwilling to learn new tools and tricks of the trade.--Jones

sjones49 — 2024-10-08 20:16:55 UTC

I believe that focus on learning is the most important idea. Ultimately that is our goal as educators. Figuring out what works best for each student is essential. --Jones

sjones49 — 2024-10-08 20:21:34 UTC

I think that working collaboratively will be difficult, just from a time perspective. Each teacher has multiple preps and time may hinder effectiveness. --Jones

Strong feels

2024-10-08 20:45:13 UTC

I feel strongly about the "Collaborative Culture and Collective Responsibility" section. I'll be honest, I feel strongly about this tenet because I don't fully agree with it. I understand the benefits of collaborative planning and data analysis, but I also think part of the art of teaching is what each individual teacher brings to their uniquely created/developed lessons. Creating a culture in which educators purposefully work together is fantastic, but not at the expense of losing teacher autonomy.

-Arment

Our Building-PLC

2024-10-08 20:55:16 UTC

I think my department (English) already functions in the spirit of a PLC (we are constantly checking in with one another about our classes, trends we are seeing in students, what is working and what isn't, etc.) but we still "do our own thing" in our instruction. In our department meetings we tend to break into PLC-like groups organically and debrief each other on our shared courses. Being such a small school, I think dividing ourselves into even smaller PLCs would be redundant.

-Arment

Tight Elements

2024-10-08 21:30:36 UTC

I believe I would find sequencing and pacing of content to be the most challenging, mostly because part of my educational philosophy depends on meeting students where they are on a day to day basis. Having shared content goals and a general sequencing guideline can be great for the purpose of collecting data, but life doesn't care about our timelines or data deadlines. My students in one class may need more time, practice, exposure, etc. to a concept than another class, and another teacher's same course may be full of students who can move much faster. If progress and true learning really is the ultimate goal, I need to be trusted as the expert who can lead students to meeting that goal, regardless of how long or short it takes.

-Arment