Times Have Changed

I began teaching 12 years ago in the Elementary level.  Each week we had “team meetings” with our grade level peers and our administrators.  In these meetings we would turn in lesson plans, discuss our assigned reading, report our weekly assessment results and take care of any housekeeping materials. 

A meeting with a grade level team today looks different. Each week the “Professional Learning Community” meets to cover an agenda created by the team.  Grade levels chose professional reading material based on the needs of individuals or the team. Assessment results are reported, analyzed and the information is used for future planning among the team. Growth is noted and successes are celebrated in each meeting.  Housekeeping materials are handled through emails or memos, not during time set aside for a Professional Learning Communities.    

As an assistant principal, I have had the opportunity to be a part of several PLCs. Recently I was a member of a second grade PLC as they were analyzing data after an intervention cycle. For intervention, the students were divided up based on a math pre-assessment and what strategies might help each individual move forward.  As the teachers reported the post assessment, I noticed they were proud of all the students whether they made small growth or substantial growth. They celebrated students in the entire grade level, not just their individual classes. They also discussed what would be next steps for students that were still struggling with the standard and those that had achieved the standard.  It made me reflect on the past.  When I began teaching, my students were my students and the teacher across the hall was the teacher for just her students.  We did what was best for our class and didn't consult with each other about what specific strategies we were using to help the struggling learner or the gifted student.

I love seeing and being a part of this PLC change.  Teachers are not only taking ownership of their students but also the students in the entire grade level.  Teachers are helping each other with ideas to push students forward. In return, the teachers are meeting or succeeding goals they have set for their grade level.