School Improvement Initiatives

MISSOURI PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES PROJECT

WHEN DID PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES BEGIN IN MISSOURI?

This Missouri Professional Learning Communities Project, a state-sponsored initiative for school-improvement, began during the 2003-2004 school year and evolved from the Missouri Accelerated Schools Project which had served as a school reform initiative for many years.  The Missouri Professional Learning Communities Project began with staff located in four regional professional development centers.  Each year since then the interest and participation in the professional learning communities process has increased.  During the 2007-2008 school year, the professional learning communities state-wide staff nearly doubled in number and is currently serving schools in all parts of the state. 

WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY?

In the Missouri Professional Learning Communities Project, any school or district, at any level, can become a professional learning community.  The state PLC school-improvement model focuses on increasing student achievement by building the capacity of school personnel to create and sustain the conditions that promote high levels of student and adult learning.  Commitment to and participation in trainings by school leaders is a vital component of becoming an effective professional learning community.

WHAT “DRIVES” A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY?

Professional learning communities see student learning, not teaching, as their mission. The policies, instruction, curriculum, programs, professional development, and other functions of the school all support student learning.  In maintaining this constant focus on learning, four questions become paramount:

1. What should students know and be able to do?

2. How will the school determine that students have learned the essential

    knowledge and skills?

3. How will the school respond when students do not learn?

4. How will the school respond when they already know it?

WHAT DOES A SCHOOL THAT IS A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY LOOK LIKE?

• The daily work of the school is driven by common purpose, shared vision and collective commitments.
• There are high expectations regarding student achievement and a commitment on the part of staff to accept responsibility for student learning.
• The learning of each student is monitored on a timely basis using common core curriculum and common assessments aligned with state standards.
• School structures support student learning and provide additional time and support for students who initially do not achieve intended outcomes.
• Job-embedded professional development leads to the collective identification of, reflection about, and implementation of “best practices” for improved student achievement.
• Staff members work collaboratively in processes that foster continuous improvement in all indicators of student achievement.
• The use of data promotes an action orientation and focus on results.
• Leadership of school improvement processes is widely dispersed and helps sustain a culture of continuous improvement.

WHAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS IN THE MISSOURI PLC PROJECT?

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers comprehensive ongoing training, technical assistance, and support through the Professional Learning Communities Project which is generally considered a three-year process model.   Schools entering the Project form Leadership Teams of generally four to six people which must include an administrator.  Together they attend a summer academy and monthly training meetings throughout the school year.  The Leadership Team serves as leaders within their own schools.  Teams from continuing schools (schools which have completed first year training) attend trainings three or four times per year.  On-site assistance and mentoring visits are provided to each school throughout the three-year process.  Professional learning community teams are encouraged to participate in a two-day Powerful Learning Conference focused on professional development for student and adult learning.  Additional training and professional development opportunities are offered throughout the year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and its regional professional development centers.

HOW MANY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES ARE IN MISSOURI?

Many schools that were formerly in the Missouri Accelerated Schools Project have continued professional development in the Professional Learning Communities Project.  In addition to that number, nearly 300 schools have participated in the Missouri Professional Learning Communities Project since it began in 2003.   Countless other schools and districts have benefited from the workshops and conferences coordinated by the PLC staff or that have been given in collaboration with the other programs for school improvement found in the regional professional development centers.  

HOW CAN MY SCHOOL BECOME A PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY?

For more information, contact the state Professional Learning Communities Project Director or the regional center in which your district resides.  Contact information is listed on the back of this Fact Sheet.

Contact:

Mary Ann Burns, Director

School Improvement Initiatives

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

PO Box 480

Jefferson City, MO  65102

(573) 751-2332

maryann.burns@dese.mo.gov