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Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities
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Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities

Second Edition


March 2008 | 160 pages | Corwin

"We successfully used the first edition and are especially excited about this revision, with updated journal designs and a CD-ROM. Now we have digital access and can easily share files and archive our efforts."
—Aminda Gentile, Director
UFT Teacher Centers

Increase the power of professional learning communities through the use of structured journaling.

Educators working together in learning communities share a common objective: to develop broader and deeper understandings about the work that they do. As professionals, these participants look for opportunities to reflect on research and consider new practices that will impact student learning

In Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities, international consultant Mary E. Dietz demonstrates five types of structured journals expressly tailored to the scope and purpose of professional learning communities (PLCs). Each of the journals in this groundbreaking guide follows a clearly defined four-step process—purpose, focus, process, and outcome—and provides a framework that promotes collaboration, continuous learning, and improved student achievement.

The standard PLC Journal supports a collaborative effort focused on facilitating school reform. The School Portfolio Journal aids those convened to study individual schools and their benefits. The Action Research Journal builds teachers' skills as researchers, and the Professional Performance Portfolio supports the development of highly qualified teachers. Finally, the PLC Instructional Planning Journal helps participants align professional development with instructional priorities. With each journal type, the author includes:

  • Step-by-step instructions for using structured journals
  • Illustrations of the four-step journaling process
  • Case studies drawn from actual experiences with educators and school communities
  • Opportunities for PLC participants to consider new practices that can boost student learning
  • A section devoted to reflection and conversation

This comprehensive resource provides teachers, administrators, and other PLC members with powerful support for change and growth. The book and accompanying CD-ROM include helpful hints and strategies, a learning communities readiness rubric, implementation tools, and blank journal templates.


 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Introduction
The Purpose of PLC Journals

 
How to Use This Book and CD

 
Guiding Principles for Continuous Professional Learning

 
The Learning Cycle of Professional Development

 
Learning Communities Readiness Rubric

 
 
1. Professional Learning Communities at Work
Building Learning Communities in Schools

 
The Importance of Conversation and Building Relationships

 
Essential Qualities and Roles of Learning Community Members

 
Facilitating Learning Communities

 
 
2. Professional Learning Community Journal: Facilitating School Reform
Background of Professional Learning Communities

 
How to Use the PLC School Reform Journal to Inform Planning

 
Case Study: PLC School Reform Journal

 
School Reform Wrap-up

 
 
3. Action Research Journal: Teacher as Researcher
Background of Action Research

 
How to Use the Action Research Journal

 
Case Study: Action Research Journal

 
Action Research Wrap-up

 
 
4. District Portfolio of Schools: Constructing a School Portfolio
Background of the School Portfolio

 
How to Use the School Portfolio Journal

 
Case Study: School Portfolio Journal

 
School Portfolio Wrap-up

 
 
5. Professional Performance Journal: The Highly Qualified Teacher
Background of Professional Growth and Performance

 
How to Use the Professional Performance Journal

 
Case Study: Professional Performance Journal

 
Professional Performance Wrap-up

 
 
6. Professional Development Journal: Aligning With Instructional Priorities
Background of Professional Development

 
How to Use the Professional Development Journal

 
Case Study: Professional Development Journal

 
Professional Development Wrap-up

 
 
Guides and Resources for Professional Learning Communities
PLC Resource Matrix

 
Systems Planning Model

 
Organizers for the System Planning Model

 
 
A Guide for Active Listening
Guide for Professional Collaboration

 
Thoughtful Questions for Learning Communities

 
Worksheet for Defining Purpose and Priorities

 
School Portfolio Survey

 
A Strategy for Determining Priorities for School Change

 
Student Profile Checklist

 
Professional Portfolios: Types and Purposes

 
A Guide for Listening

 
Directions for Coaching Triads

 
Banner Questions Guide

 
Professional Development Checklist

 
A List of Facilitation Strategies

 
 
Journal Templates
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

"We successfully used the first edition and are especially excited about this revision, with updated journal designs and a CD-ROM. Now we have digital access and can easily share files and archive our efforts."

Aminda Gentile, Director
UFT Teacher Centers

"Provides many levels of entry for building professional learning communities. In addition to the step-by-step process and many examples included for novices, the work also provides opportunities and resources for the experienced to reflect, build, challenge, and change."

Diane G. Patin, Program Director
Aldine ISD, Houston, TX

"Whether for grade-level, site-level, or district teams, this book offers straightforward approaches for increasing collaboration and professional growth, and ultimately, improving student outcomes."

Jodi Servatius, Professor Emerita and Interim Dean, College of Education
California State University, East Bay

"Teachers and administrators will find this an invaluable pick."

California Bookwatch, May 2008
Midwest Book Review
Key features
  • Types of journals consist of: Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) at Work, School Reform, Action Research, Schoolwide Portfolios, The Highly Qualified Teacher, and Professional Development and Instructional Priorities
  • Chapters begin by providing background on each journal, then train the reader how to use each journal to facilitate the coaching and learner-centered process
  • A case study in each chapter illustrates the four-step journaling process: purpose, focus, process, and outcome
  • Chapters conclude with a section for reflection and conversation, a list of questions for group discussion, and blank journal templates
  • Provides helpful hints and strategies for implementation
  • A resource section offers additional templates, implementation tools, strategies, guidelines, a glossary of key terms, and suggested further readings on professional development
  • Includes a CD-ROM of templates and resources for professional learning

Purchasing options

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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ISBN: 9781412959902
CAD$ 119.95

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

For instructors

This book is not available as an inspection copy. For more information contact your local sales representative.