Implementing the Professional Learning Community Essay

Journal Requirements: Consider the benefits of the activities proposed in your discussion of professional learning communities. How can you implement these activities in your organization or how will you implement them in a future position that you will hold within an organization? Why would these benefit your organization or a future organization? What do you feel will be the outcome of this collaboration? Journal Response: Everhart In the world of education, the application of differentiated instructional strategies and instructional strategies in practice vary from school to school and individual to individual. Nevertheless, the goal is always the same no matter the location or the persons involved. Specific activities proposed during the discussion section of this week’s student requirement included the following: (cited from D1 response) 1. Teachers talk regularly about teaching and learning (As cited by Gregory, 2008, p. 6-7 according to Collins, 1998): Based on the cooperative teaching schedule shared by co-instructor, collaboration of assignments for specific group project are required as to meet the requirements of competencies as defined by the course syllabus. Instructor’s share what is working needs to be adjusted, deleted, or redefined as to allow for student success. (as posted by Everhart, 2013) 2. Teacher have shared planning time to develop lesson and share strategies during the day (as cited by Gregory, 2008, p. 6-7, according to Collins, 1998): Co-instructors who teach specific classes during the day, afternoon, and night share cooperative teaching and lesson plans as to meet the learning schedule needs of the students who attend. Usually there are more than one session of a specific class running during concurrent times (i. e. 9-1, 1-5, 6-10) all lessons, activities, test are the same as to allow a student to slide from one session to another if needed. (as posted by Everhart, 2013)) 3. Teachers share and support one another’s efforts (As cited by Gregory, 2008, p. 6-7, according to Collins, 1998): As department, bi-weekly meetings are held to discuss what is working well in one class and what is not and offer support or recommendations for change. As an institute, monthly training and campus information meetings are held to discuss growth of the institute as a whole, retention methods, and department and individual successes. (as posted by Everhart, 2013) 4. Training and development of new skills and knowledge are a collegial experience where teachers can share a common language, implement together, and coach one another (as cited by Gregory 2008, p. 6-7, according to Collins, 1998): All members of a college staff are required to have 12 hours of faculty training yearly and 12 hours of professional training. as posted by Everhart, 2013) However, as in any learning situatation awareness is a key component of increasing the mission of the institute as to meet the needs of the holistic community. In as much the following could be a consideration for implementation: 1. Teachers talk regularly about teaching and learning (As cited by Gregory, 2008, p. 6-7 according to Collins, 1998): a. Expansion of aforementioned application as cited by Everhart to increase communication as related to teaching and learning includes the preparedness of the team. Preparedness includes active communication and listening at i. Building level: faculty meetings/workshops, inter-departmental meetings, grade-level or subject area meetings, integrated regular-special education meetings, curriculum meetings, or team teaching and planning session ii. State-District level; faculty meeting, workshops, and development training session which focus on research, theory, problem-solving activities and/or implementation of standards 2. Teacher have shared planning time to develop lesson and share strategies during the day (as cited by Gregory, 2008, p. -7, according to Collins, 1998): b. Expansion if aforementioned application as cited by Everhart include: iii. increased planning time to develop lesson direct related to ‘team planning periods’. During such periods of time the team; grade level, subject area, and/or department 1. establish and clarify collaborative goals and objectives as related to teaching methods, curriculum implementation and/or teacher facilitation of expectations iv. define common goals as related to common core standards, student needs, curriculum application and/or assessment formative, summative, standardized) 3. Teachers share and support one another’s efforts (As cited by Gregory, 2008, p. 6-7, according to Collins, 1998): c. Expansion of aforementioned practices as cited by Everhart for implementation include: v. debriefing and problems-solving and/or celebrations of success including individual teachers, students, classrooms, departments or as the institute as a whole vi. providing additional support (mentors) for first year teachers, teachers changing grade levels or locations within the educational setting vii. hared responsibility and accountability for strengths and weakness which in turn support individuals and/or the team viii. assist each member of the collaborat ive team thus reaching individual/group needs for success in regards to student population and the mission of the learning institute 4. Training and development of new skills and knowledge are a collegial experience where teachers can share a common language, implement together, and coach one another (as cited by Gregory 2008, p. 6-7, according to Collins, 1998): d.  Expansion of aforementioned practices as cited by Everhart for implementation include: ix. Professional training seminars based on proven research, theory application and/or conceptual framework of best-practice tools during collegial interaction and/or seminars x. professional membership; NAEYC, specific to areas of study growth (CEU) In consideration of the improvement are the benefits as establish through implementation, institution who wish to improve â€Å"the quality of instruction, curriculum, and assessment in order to increase student achievement†¦. ocus on these components, evaluation evidence of them in their schools as they develop learning organizations that can manage and sustain change†. (Gregory, 2008, p. 3) On the other hand, implementing professional learning and expansion of skills does not require a teacher, department, team, or institute to be all things to every situation at all times. Rather, it calls on teachers, departments, the team, and the institute to be consistently mindful of structured meaning and authenticity of skills, communication, and collaboration, individuals and the group, supportive of practice and research on pedagogy. It is my personal belief that if implemented correctly with a manner of respect for all involved the ease of implementation will appear effortless. However, as noted in any given situation there are those engaged in the art of teaching who cannot see beyond the scope of their own beliefs therefore will attempt to create a diversion or disruption. The key, however, based on opinion, is to acknowledge the change as a whole, to recognize individual needs, while providing a rich, stimulating approach to create a productive learning environment.