PLC Power!

There is no position more powerful or important to the success of an organization than the collective energies of a goal driven team. (PLC)

Great Article on Reflective Practice

Do We Evaluate Reflective Practice? First Define It

By Kelly Morris Roberts, Ph.D.

Good teachers reflect on practice. Ask any teacher, school administrator or department head, and he or she will not only affirm that statement but also will confirm that teacher evaluation instruments these days are replete with references to teacher reflection. As a new superintendent, knowing the basics of teacher reflection is vital; the problem with knowing the basics, ironically, has been framing those basics and then recognizing how we can encourage reflection of the caliber to transform practice. Many in the field of teacher reflection have long mourned that “one of the most notable limitations of this emerging literature on reflective practice is its ahistorical nature ... The historical amnesia with regard to reflective practice has contributed greatly to the lack of clarity about the theoretical and political commitments underlying specific proposals of reform” (Zeichner, 1994, p. 14). In an effort to curve this historical amnesia-and to know what we mean by reflection deeply enough to lead in this area—perhaps we must do the simple task of defining its basic tenets cogently yet broadly enough for the challenges of twenty-first century teaching. With a historically-based definition in mind, superintendents are better equipped both to discuss these tenets concisely and clearly and then to set up the conditions for truly reflective practice. Put simply, in order for us to see growth in teacher reflection and self-assessment, we have first to define it well for ourselves and others; this article attempts to get us started. (READ MORE AT THE LINK BELOW) http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=17448

The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom

http://www.edutopia.org/asking-questions

PLC Update

Hello Team:
Just an update.....Info is forthcoming for PLC selection. We will ask that you confirm your intentions no later than June 30th. As always, THANKS for all you do!

What Are Professional Learning Communities?

Click over link:
Attribute 1: Supportive and Shared Leadership.
Attribute 2: Collective Creativity.
Attribute 3: Shared Values and Vision .
Attribute 4: Supportive Conditions.
Attribute 5: Shared Personal Practice.

REFERENCE1. Hord, S. M. (1997). Professional learning communities: What are they and why are they important? [Online]. Available: http://www.sedl.org/change/issues/issues61.html .

Music Department PLC

NAMM Foundation Survey Reveals Loyalsock Township School District

A ‘Best Community For Music Education’ In The United States

-179 Communities Nationwide Achieve Prestigious Designation;

2011 Marks the First Year That Individual Schools Earn Honor -

Collaboration Cartoon