Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities

"We successfully used the first edition and are especially excited about this revision, with updated journal designs and a CD-ROM. Now we have digital access and can easily share files and archive our efforts."
—Aminda Gentile, Director
UFT Teacher Centers

Increase the power of professional learning communities through the use of structured journaling.

Educators working together in learning communities share a common objective: to develop broader and deeper understandings about the work that they do. As professionals, these participants look for opportunities to reflect on research and consider new practices that will impact student learning

In Journals as Frameworks for Professional Learning Communities, international consultant Mary E. Dietz demonstrates five types of structured journals expressly tailored to the scope and purpose of professional learning communities (PLCs). Each of the journals in this groundbreaking guide follows a clearly defined four-step process—purpose, focus, process, and outcome—and provides a framework that promotes collaboration, continuous learning, and improved student achievement.

The standard PLC Journal supports a collaborative effort focused on facilitating school reform. The School Portfolio Journal aids those convened to study individual schools and their benefits. The Action Research Journal builds teachers' skills as researchers, and the Professional Performance Portfolio supports the development of highly qualified teachers. Finally, the PLC Instructional Planning Journal helps participants align professional development with instructional priorities. With each journal type, the author includes:

• Step-by-step instructions for using structured journals
• Illustrations of the four-step journaling process
• Case studies drawn from actual experiences with educators and school communities
• Opportunities for PLC participants to consider new practices that can boost student learning
• A section devoted to reflection and conversation

This comprehensive resource provides teachers, administrators, and other PLC members with powerful support for change and growth. The book and accompanying CD-ROM include helpful hints and strategies, a learning communities readiness rubric, implementation tools, and blank journal templates.

• Types of journals consist of: Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) at Work, School Reform, Action Research, Schoolwide Portfolios, The Highly Qualified Teacher, and Professional Development and Instructional Priorities
• Chapters begin by providing background on each journal, then train the reader how to use each journal to facilitate the coaching and learner-centered process
• Acase study in each chapter illustrates the four-step journaling process: purpose, focus, process, and outcome
• Chapters conclude with a section for reflection and conversation, a list of questions for group discussion, and blank journal templates
• Provides helpful hints and strategies for implementation
• Aresource section offers additional templates, implementation tools, strategies, guidelines, a glossary of key terms, and suggested further readings on professional development
• Includes a CD-ROM of templates and resources for professional learning