Necessary Conditionsmicrosoft word iconDownload

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This section will describe the conditions necessary to implement effective professional learning communities.

Increasing volumes of research are emerging about how the "Sit and Get" professional development methodology is not providing the results needed to change school systems.  In Washington State’s highly paced reform efforts, it makes sense to address change in the classroom where students will see the most impact.  As a result, professional development studies are suggesting that we look closely around how staff in a school can collaboratively focus on student work and teacher craft to authentically improve what students are learning.  In order to accomplish this effective joint work, districts and schools must look at what conditions need to be in place prior to and during the creation of effective professional learning communities.  Several kinds of factors determine when, where, and how staff can regularly come together and work collaboratively together as a unit to do the learning, decision making, problem solving, and creative work that characterize a professional learning community.