ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how to use the cycle of inquiry to analyze the formative data leaders have collected to meet the needs of every student. Those changes require a clear plan for reviewing formative data points and taking action based on them, and the chapter highlights several ways the team can make that practice a cornerstone of the organizational vision. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are teams of educators who meet on a regular basis to discuss instruction, engage in cycles of inquiry, and collaboratively look at student data. PLCs were popularized by Richard DuFour and continue to be among the more popular formats for cycles of inquiry. The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle is a powerful approach to consistently analyze real-time formative data points, determine next steps, and assess the effectiveness of the action plan. Peer observations involve considerable logistical planning, especially when observing teachers at other schools.
