South Charleston High School

A working team of professionals that are committed to ensure student achievement as life-long learners of the 21st Century.

• An opportunity for teachers to share information, knowledge, and expertise that will increase student achievement.

• A way to grant the faculty ownership in the creation of staff development so that they will feel empowered.

August 2007Selection of Leadership Team

Chose strong leader from each department with a variety of skills to contribute.

Training

To understand PLC’s

Learn protocol for running PLC’s

Set objectives for staff development

• Co-curricular• Cross-curricular

At least one teacher from each curricular field (Anticipate conflicts)

• Encourage members to work collaboratively• Establish process for group participation• Create an atmosphere in which all members

freely participate• Establish the tone by encouraging group

interaction and feedback

First PLC First PLC Meeting –Meeting –

October 2007October 2007

First PLC First PLC Meeting –Meeting –

October 2007October 2007

“What are reasons for Academic Failure?”

Top three reasons for academic Top three reasons for academic failurefailure

Curriculum and relevance of lesson

Student motivation and apathy

Lack of discipline

Number of facilitators dictated by the number of the PLC’s.

Leadership team observed first PLC meetings and chose facilitators based on leadership skills and rapport with colleagues.

Training of Facilitators

Training at Coonskin Park• What is a PLC and how will it

affect my work?• What is my role as a facilitator

and what happens during a PLC meeting?

• What do I do if I have some “prickly” behavior in my PLC?

Training of Staff

What is a PLC?Communicating the plan for PLC activities

(logistical details and roles)Establish ground rulesIdentify instructional goals and objectives

Literacy

Technology

PLC Discussion Points

State how you integrate technology into your curriculum

State the positives about using technology in your class

State the challenges about using technology in your class

AssessmentFormativeSummative

FeedbackEvaluativeDescriptive

Teachers in the Classroom

Facilitator Facilitator MeetingMeeting

Other Examples of PLC Activities

Read/discuss articlesView/discuss video clipsShare ideasAsk questionsShare evidence of student work

Process• Implement Plan:

Example of Feedback

Feedback

Large Group

Process

• Select best path to achieve desired results

Process

• Implement PlanEstablish means of accountability“Next time bring back evidence of …

Process

• Monitor and evaluate progress of PLC’s

Example:Using a Team Development Wheel to see into which stage a PLC falls.

• Communication• Empowers teachers• Increased feelings of pride and belonging• Gives teachers opportunity to have more say in

the direction of the school in general• New ideas: technology and rethinking assessment

• Improved achievement

• Better teacher instruction

• Better assessment