Professional Learning

Professional Learning Communities at Saeger Middle School

Professional Learning Community (PLC) Defined:

Educators committed to working collaboratively in ongoing processes of collective inquiry and action research in order to achieve better results for the students they serve. PLC's operate under the assumption that the key to improved learning for students is continuous, job-embedded learning for educators. -DuFour, DuFour, Eaker, Many, 2006

The focus is on learning not teaching.

Characteristics of a PLC:
There is shared mission, vision, values, and goals. We agree on our purpose, we decide on a direction, we generate collective commitments, and establish targets and timelines.

· Collaborative teams focus on learning.

· We look at where we are currently and then seek "best practices" to achieve our goals.

· Put the plan into action.

· We focus on the results of the action.

· There is a commitment to continuous improvement.

To maintain a constant focus on learning four questions become the driving force of the PLC.

 

1. What should students know and be able to do?
Each subject area has a focus on what is essential for each student to learn. We call these guarantees, the baseline, or essential outcomes. Some subjects areas are still in the process of generating these essential outcomes, because their curriculums are in the process of change.

2. How will we know when they have learned it?
We will know when students have learned these essential outcomes by common assessments (tests) given in a timely manner. The district has provided teachers with a program called Mastery Manager that provides the needed data that teachers can use to evaluate a student's knowledge.

3. How will we respond when they don't learn?
Saeger has developed a pyramid of interventions that will assure that each student will learn the essential outcomes. These interventions will be available.

4. How will we respond when they already know it?
The pyramid of interventions will include activities to address this area as well.



As a parent how can you help?

Become familiar with the PLC. Remember our focus is on learning not teaching. Support our pyramid of interventions. With your help and support your child will be successful.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.