About the Book

"As a high school principal, it is crucial to have tools and models that have teeth, that will make an impact on student achievement, and also improve collegiality and collaboration among teachers. This is a wonderful faculty book study choice for any school looking to have teams of teachers focused on data and how to incorporate best practices in their classrooms."
-Steve Knobl, Principal
Gulf High School, New Port Richey, FL

Strengthen teacher expertise and expand instructional leadership through focused professional learning teams!

Although a generous amount of research describes professional learning teams (PLTs) as a positive structure for developing a vision of school change through informed, data-based decision making, little guidance exists for schools wanting to create and sustain this type of team initiative.

Leading Professional Learning Teams provides a field-tested model for implementing PLTs that strengthen teacher collaboration in professional learning communities, improve instruction, and increase student achievement. Developed in partnership between educators, Education Northwest (formerly known as the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory), and six high-needs schools, this guide shows a professional learning team in action. Each chapter highlights four important elements to help ensure alignment with educators' objectives:

• Action: Steps for starting up a PLT
• Voices From the Field: School leaders offering insights from actual PLTs
• Tools: Resources with information about PLTs, plus at-a-glance road maps for each step of the implementation process
• Leadership Team Discussion: Discussion suggestions for implementation leaders

Written for school leaders who are new to PLTs and those who want to fine-tune their efforts, this resource is an invaluable tool for correlating staff development with your school's improvement goals.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures and Tables Foreword by Shirley M. Hord Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Understanding Professional Learning Teams Defining Professional Learning Teams The Need for PLTs Other Models for Teacher Collaboration Key Points for Chapter 1 2. Setting the Stage for Success Readiness for PLTs Understanding Change Building Relationships Creating Avenues of Communication Key Points for Chapter 2 3. Laying the Foundation Within the School Community Advocating for PLTs With Important Stakeholders Aligning With School Goals Structures for Working Collaboratively Providing and Using Data Providing Additional Resources Establishing Supportive Accountability Key Points for Chapter 3 4. What About Leadership? Administrators as Leaders Shared and Facilitative Leadership Teacher Leadership Sustaining Leadership Vignette: A Professional Learning Team in Action Key Points for Chapter 4 5. Supporting the Work of PLTs Successful PLTs Reinforcing PLT Strategies and Skills Ensuring That PLTs Are Teacher Led Using a Rubric to Encourage Reflection Anticipating Potential Challenges Celebrating Success Key Points for Chapter 5 Resources A. National Staff Development Council (NSDC) Standards for Staff Development B. Survey of School Capacity for Continuous Improvement C. Professional Learning Community (PLC) Survey D. Finding Time for Professional Learning E. Resolving Conflict: Key to Collaboration F. Sample Conflict Scenarios G. Possible Expectations for PLT Team Leaders and Facilitators H. Tools 1. Professional Learning Team Inquiry Cycle 2. PLT Inquiry Cycle With Steps Explained 3. Getting Started: Sample Agenda for Workship 1 4. PLT Team Log 5. Sample PLT team Meeting Agenda and Log 6. Defining Team Roles 7. Professional Learning Team: Planning Sheet 8. Five Demensions of Professional Learning Communities 9. Criteria for Quality Team Time 10. Finding Time for Collaboration 11. Factors Supporting the Success of PLTs 12. PLT Implementation Rubric 13. Getting Started Roadmap Suggested Readings References Index