Richard DuFour & Michael Fullan, Cultures Built to Last--Systemic PLCs at Work
.jpg)
There are
many challenges facing education today, and adequate funding to do what needs
to be done is the topic most often discussed. Frustrating as this debate has
become, I would propose it is also a very exciting time for educators to be the
recipients of best practices supported by research. Focusing on what works for
our students allows us to narrow our emphasis and to actively collaborate with
intent to create the system of achievement for each of our students. Having
more students grow, reach, or exceed their outcome goals is a humbling
experience. You are providing them with the experience of success now and in
their future.
The
cultural shift from “what to teach” to “what should students know and be able
to do” is a journey requiring change which can be more than difficult. Richard
DuFour is the leading authority of Professional Learning Communities. His most
recent book Cultures Built to Last, Systemic PLCs at Work supports schools to
create a system where they can experience significant gains in student
achievement by embracing this student learning focus. “Professional Learning
Communities can play a central role in dramatically improving the overall
performance of schools, the engagement of students, and the sense of efficacy
and the job satisfaction of educators.”
DuFour’s
thoughtful reflections in his book Cultures Built to Last aids educators to
recognize there are three big ideas that serve as the core of what it means to
have a systematic Professional Learning Community in your school. This isn’t a
program, but a process where all educators generate a relentless focus on high
levels of learning for all students, in a collaborative culture, with a
collective effort, to improve practice, and drive continuous improvement. It
can be exhausting and yet exhilarating to support and enhance achievement for
all of our students. It is exciting to be a part of a team of educators who are
embracing change for success now and in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment