Professional learning communities

This chapter talks about professional learning communities (PLCs), what they are, how they are intended to function, their fundamental characteristics, and how they can facilitate a change in the culture of a school or district. A shared mission, vision, commitments, and goals make up the foundation of a PLC; a collaborative culture of teamwork then serves as the fundamental building block for a PLC in any organization. Inherent in the culture of a PLC is the constant search for better ways to achieve goals, for ways to achieve new goals, and to accomplish the overall purpose and vision of the organization. Some of the most profound effects of becoming a PLC are the impact that it can have on the cyclical process of planning, delivering, and assessing instruction and learning. When compared to a more traditional school, the processes of planning and delivering instruction look very different in a school that operates under the foundational principles of a PLC.