Professional Learning Communities

Dianne Olivier

The continual search for more effective strategies for school improvement has led to a number of new models of school reform. Some of these rely heavily upon findings in the field of human relations and organizational theory. The professional learning community (PLC) represents an emerging model for school improvement that draws from what we know about human relations and organizational change. While the literature provides various characteristics that describe the operations of a PLC, extensive research has led Dr. Shirley Hord to propose five attributes or dimensions that characterize professional learning communities: 1. Supportive and shared leadership: Collegial and facilitative participation of the principal who shares leadership, power, and authority through involving staff in decision making 2. Shared values and vision: ...

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