Critical Features of a PLC

Video Transcription

Researchers tell us that there are some non-negotiable features of a PLC. Without these features in place, these researchers suggest that a PLC is consequently not going to be aligned to the vision, the mission, and the goals of the district. And therefore the PLC will be ineffective.

So in this tutorial, we'll examine these non-negotiable features of a PLC, including a focus on learning, a focus on collaborative culture, and a focus on results. Let's get started.

The first non-negotiable feature of a PLC is a focus on learning. This focus needs to be carried out through the use of a guaranteed and viable curriculum. In other words, every student needs to have equitable access to a curriculum that is not only aligned to their grade level standards but is also aligned to the instruction and the tools that are necessary to engage with that curriculum and to learn effectively from that curriculum.

This focus on learning also needs to include the use of a comprehensive assessment system. There needs to be a balance of formative assessments, or assessments for learning, and summative assessments, or assessments of learning. Our assessments should inform our instruction and should be used thoughtfully to measure student mastery and growth.

Another element of this focus on learning needs to be Response To Intervention, or RTI. RTI is a systematic approach to interventions that helps to close achievement gaps through the process of screening, providing interventions with research-based strategies, monitoring the progress of these students, and then adjusting these intervention strategies as necessary. RTI often uses a team approach to problem solving that focuses on the needs of each individual student. And this process helps the educators to develop a plan that will address the student's specific needs.

This comprehensive focus on learning is a critical element of a PLC. And a PLC might not be effective if the members of that PLC are not paying enough attention to this focus on the guaranteed and viable curriculum, if they are not committed to implementing a comprehensive assessment system, and if they are not committed to using RTI to meet the needs of all students.

The second non-negotiable feature of a PLC is a focus on collaborative culture. PLCs need to be highly effective teams that are engaging in purposeful collaboration. The team members need to embrace a shared vision, a shared mission, shared goals, and common norms. Let's look at each of these four elements a little more closely.

First, let's think about what the shared vision might mean for the members of the PLC. The vision of the PLC should be focused on the end goal. It should outline the future hopes and dreams of the PLC members. And it will often be expressed in just a single powerful, easy-to-remember statement.

The PLC members should also share a mission. This is an outline of the steps that are going to be required to achieve that shared vision. There also need to be shared goals in a PLC. These are the SMART goals that describe the specific steps that will lead the PLC to achievement of both the vision and the mission. Remember, the SMART acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant or Responsible, and Time-bound.

And finally, there need to be shared norms in the PLC. These are the agreed-upon values of the team members. Norms are sometimes referred to as "common commitments." They outline exactly how team members agree to achieve the mission and the vision of the PLC. Norms are written as behaviors rather than being written as beliefs. This makes them more transparent and more actionable.

This focus on collaborative culture is another critical component in an effective PLC. If the team members are not engaging in purposeful collaboration, if they are not committed to their shared norms and to the shared vision and mission and goals of the PLC, then the PLC might fail.

The final non-negotiable feature of a PLC is a focus on results. This requires that the members of the PLC have a data mindset. They need to be engaging in data collection and analysis. And there needs to be willingness to assign responsibility for the improvement of those results. So if the team members are not willing to engage in data collection and analysis, if they are not committed to having this data mindset, or if there is not a willingness present to assign responsibility for improving the student achievement results that are being monitored, then the PLC may not be effective.

Now it's your turn to stop and reflect. If you are currently a member of a PLC, reflect on whether your PLC exhibits these three non-negotiable features. As you reflect on how this new information can be applied, you may want to explore the Additional Resources section that accompanies this video presentation. This is where you'll find links to resources chosen to help you deepen your learning and explore ways to apply your newly acquired skill set. Thanks for joining me today. Have a great day.