#atplc Archive
For over a year, educators have used the #atplc Twitter tag to share resources and ideas about PLCs, connect with others around the world, and inspire each other to never stop learning. Now is your chance to join the conversation! Visit http://www.allthingsplc.info/tools-resources/twitter-chat for more info.
Thursday September 1, 2016
Welcome to chat tonight. My name is Rosa Isiah, Principal in CA and your guest moderator tonight. Please introduce yourself.
Good evening! Genevie, an Instructional Coach, checking in from Texas!
How is everyone???
Tom Whitford, consultant for and former principal of an Amazing PLC school, Today was the 1st day of school in WI
Good evening Tim, elementary principal in Batavia, IL
Hello! Peg an elementary Ed teacher from WI!
Jim Smith, Assessment and Data, Lighthouse Learning Community, Minnesota
Glad to be joining tonight. Watching the Packers, too, so I apologize in advance for my lack of focus.
Let's do this! Laura, Principal from Wisconsin ready to face reality! Thanks for reminding me!
Paula from N Houston ready to learn w/ the incomparable
Hi everyone! Crista Anderson, rural school administrator from Montana
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis
Heidi from WI up north by the Great Lake Superior! Dir of Curr and Elem Principal.
Hello, Jim! Welcome https://t.co/79hbeTgTK7
Jim Smith, Assessment and Data, Lighthouse Learning Community, Minnesota
Good evening to my friend and Cory proud lead learner from the great after a great first day back with Ts
Would just like to shout out to my team: GO TEXANS!
I see you're new to Twitter. is a great chat to participate in.
Welcome all!
Our conversation tonight is all about growing our learning communities. The first question is coming up in 2 minutes.
Thanks! very excited to be working with and the Model Schools Team!
Hello from Pewaukee, WI...where I also admit I'm multi-tasking & watching the Packers game. I'm a Supt. and work with a gr8 team
Good evening! I just boarded a plane and I can't chat tonight. I want to thank all of you for your commitment to the PLC journey!
Hi all - Trista from Iowa. Elem Principal
Steven Weber, Asst. Supt. (AR)
Hello, all! Lorinda Professional Learning Community coach, Warsaw, In.
Rod Broadhead principal in So Utah. Will be in and out because I'm at our PTA opening social! Glad to pop in and learn though!
Safe travels! https://t.co/N4NyVQn5yF
Good evening! I just boarded a plane and I can't chat tonight. I want to thank all of you for your commitment to the PLC journey!
Q1 In what ways do students and teachers benefit from professional learning communities in our schools?
two packer fans? Go Bears!
A1: Teachers & Ss benefit when a focus on learning becomes the focus of the culture in a school.
Dr Muhammad! Thank you for saying hello!!! safe travels
Hi! Enjoying a cool beverage waiting for take-out.. Saw the tweet! Glad I could make it!
A1: A PLC asks questions that drive to the heart of teaching & learning. Without a PLC, you're having a conversation with yourself.
A1: PLCs create the structure to give each can give each other permission to nudge
A1 Kids benefit from teacher discussions about learning. Teachers benefit by working together for all kids. https://t.co/CTj7pWsahf
Q1 In what ways do students and teachers benefit from professional learning communities in our schools?
A1: One of us is not nearly as smart as as all of us.
Greetings! Rabin - education consultant and instructional coach
A2: Collective commitment to ensure high levels of learning for every child: Hattie's collective T efficacy= 1.52! HUGE impact
A1 established vision/value supported by data equals meaningful learning and teaching.
A1: The benefit comes from many minds working together and focusing on what matters. Adults role model true
A1 Students benefit when teachers share their practices with one another.
A1: Professional Learning Communities provide framework for communication & collaboration for all things connected to student growth
A1: it allows for collaboration which leads to authentic learning/assessments in the classrooms by Ss.
A1: In every way! Working alone is lame in 2016! We know better.Kids benefit by multiple caring brains collaborating on their behalf.
I like the idea of "nudge" PLC also helps keep the focus on learning. https://t.co/SeI0SqUH30
A1: PLCs create the structure to give each can give each other permission to nudge
A1: a group of people working together will always be wiser than teachers separately working in Silos https://t.co/6615BWk6CQ
And although I would love to believe otherwise, I rarely have all of the answers. Collaboration critical
oh man. What am I going to do?
A1) A professional learning community engineers better student learning outcomes & is ongoing, authentic, relevant, embedded PD.
A1. Ts really looking at targeted data as teams. To have tough conversations and improve Tier 1 instruction.
A1: PLCs give teachers the opportunity to practice the same type of cooperative learning they'd like their students to engage in.
it's a new day! Independent teaching is dead!
a1: What other industries have many of their staff working in isolation in order to advance their organization? Doesn't work!
A1: Collaboration, an agreed upon viable curriculum, & common assessments pool in T expertise!
I find it is far more important to have the right questions than to know the answers.
A1. Because you don't know what you don't know. Collaboration with other professionals ends the silo of instruction.
Indeed! (love the graphic)
A1 NO OTHER organization. Let's change that https://t.co/0nSAKcTW5j
a1: What other industries have many of their staff working in isolation in order to advance their organization? Doesn't work!
BOOM!! https://t.co/Vj95SGMdbm
A1. Because you don't know what you don't know. Collaboration with other professionals ends the silo of instruction.
A1 PLC's set the stage for raw conversations to be had about practices and students Also a multitasking Packers Fan
Exactly! You can't do it alone...collaborate for the benefit of our Ss. https://t.co/pW9LKca4Wm
A1: In every way! Working alone is lame in 2016! We know better.Kids benefit by multiple caring brains collaborating on their behalf.
absolutely. It's ALL about asking the right questions
YES PLC/Assessment/Learning. The first two - central elements of learning, reflecting on learning changes PLC https://t.co/lfGj0wxu3g
A1: it allows for collaboration which leads to authentic learning/assessments in the classrooms by Ss.
Q2 How does school culture and climate impact the development and growth of our professional learning communities?
A1: Don't forget, we have to develop the right culture to get the right results. Simply allowing time does not ensure collaboration
A2: "strategy will eat history for lunch" we must honor the culture of the organization THEN we get to work!
I agree - it's the "nudging" a group can bring that prompts deeper reflection & deeper learning.
https://t.co/v2fovtwNLE
YES PLC/Assessment/Learning. The first two - central elements of learning, reflecting on learning changes PLC https://t.co/lfGj0wxu3g
A1: it allows for collaboration which leads to authentic learning/assessments in the classrooms by Ss.
A2: Naively, I used to think that teams could engage in the right work even in toxic culture. Good or bad, culture wins every time
A1: They are absolutely essential! I wrote a few books about that :-). Time and opportunity in the wrong hands is dangerous!
A2: didn't Rick Dufour say the culture of an organization is defined by the worst behavior leaders allow?
A2: Sometimes educators expect the principal to change the climate of the school. In a PLC, we all work together to create climate.
A2: Staff must trust one another to have a strong PLC. Being in a school where staff is not competitive, but working as a team.
this is great help for our SHS BLT. Jump in?
indeed! But you're getting ahead of me. That question is coming up ;)
A3. Culture's impact on PLCs cannot ever be underestimated or dismissed.
A1: Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum for students. Learning what effective teaching is for teachers!
yes yes yes. Culture is the heart of a learning community
A2: Some PLCs are a culture of compliance and some are a culture of learning. Which school would you want your child to attend?
A2: when you have a defined school climate and culture it gives you a sense of direction on Ss learning and education.
YES! Love Rick's quote, "You are only as strong as what you are willing to confront."
A2: Trust. The foundation of effective teams must be built on trust. Then U can create a common vision https://t.co/aN521ohcoh
A2 professional culture is important but I don't think it's a deal breaker. great PLCS can assist the school In building the culture.
Yes, think he did too! FYI I got coming to my school tomorrow, maybe you next year?
A2: Without trust, the PLC structure will not likely move an organization
We are literally taking off. Have a great chat!
A2: PLCs have to be collaborative. If the school culture is competitive, it won't lend itself to effective PLCs.
A2 ] EVERYTHING! One conditions Shirley Hord talks about is supportive conditions (relational) that need to be in place for T colab
A2: If school culture isn't collaborative, that has to be your number one goal before any change occurs.
How do you begin the work of creating trust in a PLC?
A2: Leaders help create a culture of "we" that supports plc's & the needed trust & collaboration to maximize all students' learning
A2: A colleague wants said that culture/mindsets can make the difference between PLCs engaging in a conversation vs. confrontation
A2: it is the foundational framework for Ts to follow and use as a guide through the year of teaching.
A2.2 Always about relationships and teachers being able to connect - the importance of building social capital to have access to info
Important to build collective commitments, equally important to defend them when they are in place.
A2: Be wary of the "ineffective collaboration" zone. It's easy to create time, but it's difficult to create effective collaboration
A2) Belief in students ability to learn, solution focused, growth mindset, we're all works in progress. All this prepares the soil.
always great to hear your thoughts!
I think coined it. Several educators like to quote her.
A2: Culture & climate that supports collab & community allows teachers to feel safe sharing both quantitative data & experiences
A2: coming together and having an agenda does not mean you are operating like a PLC.
you can't grow anything in dirt. Those are the ingredients in rich soil
I agree . Norms bring focus to how plc's should work, especially at start when groups are forming. https://t.co/TCIp88sRrL
A2: Be wary of the "ineffective collaboration" zone. It's easy to create time, but it's difficult to create effective collaboration
Q3 Simply providing 'meeting' time is not enough if not focused on the right work. How might we help our learning communities focus?
I think starting with lots of celebrations and celebrating small successes helps!
It's all about the relationships!! Create shared leadership opps, develop a vision that is inclusive of all stakeholders
A2: w/o a clear understanding of climate and culture, how do you know what your direction is or where to go?
A2) We must be life long continuous pursuers to grow in the art & science of teaching. Too complex to ever "arrive."
A3 There needs to be shared vision and understanding by teachers. That is the beginning of the journey for collaborative teams
A2. Have to start with why. Why are we here? What is our purpose? Everyone needs to be part of the vision & mission .
Agree! All for one and one for all!
A3. Starts with how the admin team functions- are they modeling what they want Ts to do?
A3.2 Leaders need to provide clarity to collaborative teams on what is loose and what is tight.
Q3: Provide vision for PLCs and have each set norms. Give them a target, let them determine how to get there!
A3: leaders and coaches ongoing modeling, attending, celebrating and facilitating. STRONG supports in place!
A3: Data from formative assessments can help guide conversations.
Celebrations make the learning a reality for school community.
A2: E. Aguilar talks about impact of toxic culture + what coaches can still do to support teams in book "The Art of Coaching Teams"
A3: Its about the Evidence of Learning, central to the 4 guiding questions of PLC. Responding to assessment. https://t.co/mXfgUpMc8X
Q3 Simply providing 'meeting' time is not enough if not focused on the right work. How might we help our learning communities focus?
A3: make agendas and limit the scope of what you tackle each meeting time.
A3: Follow the magical 4 guiding questions of a PLC & create actionable behaviors that focus on the right work
But it shouldn't B blind trust. Informed trust. Trust built on a clear vision, w/ the knowledge that mistakes happen
A3: besides support and celebrations, clear protocols and expectations
teams should be given some autonomy which leads to their growth.
Yikes! Have to check out early!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me tonight!!!
Observe and listen. and have written much in culture.
Teams collectively work through professional behaviors that will guide their actions to ensure successful collaboration
a3: Norms, norms, norms. PLCs are a business meeting with our kids achievement as the bottom line
the group can. Holds themselves accountable for the terms they set.
A3: important 2 develop norms on how 2 work together & define what is PLC collaboratio is and is not. Focus on student work/sharing
A3: always the 4 critical questions!
that modeling can be such a game changer.
YES Actionable behaviors can only be focused when centered on assessment. Informs the actions to take. https://t.co/UtiXJehnIm
A3: Follow the magical 4 guiding questions of a PLC & create actionable behaviors that focus on the right work
A2 Positive culture promotes positive PLCs. Negative culture ruins PLCs. https://t.co/9xxYevaQQe
Q2 How does school culture and climate impact the development and growth of our professional learning communities?
absolutely! I have a question coming up about accountability
Bingo! https://t.co/EjtDW9Q9qw
A3: important 2 develop norms on how 2 work together & define what is PLC collaboratio is and is not. Focus on student work/sharing
Not sure what the Q is...but any assembly we call a TEAM had better be bound by REAL, MEASURABLE interdependent GOALS....MOST aren't
A3 collab time should be focused with purpose, questions, inquiry and an agenda. It's work time! 😀
YES! Celebrations are critical! We have to know our strengths in order to address growth.
Tom. Agreed, many confuse trust with an inability to handle honest feedback. It's a very fine line!
A3: As admin… I have found it very effective to be present and available during any kind of team meeting time. Modify support
A3. The leader of the building needs to be highly involved and the first learner of the school.
A3 Need to have norms and agendas that are adhered to in order to provide focus. https://t.co/iZ4N8inGV6
Q3 Simply providing 'meeting' time is not enough if not focused on the right work. How might we help our learning communities focus?
Welcome, Kenneth! https://t.co/1ExiE8Au0t
Not sure what the Q is...but any assembly we call a TEAM had better be bound by REAL, MEASURABLE interdependent GOALS....MOST aren't
I like how you said this. It IS time for important business to occur - life saving & life changing business. https://t.co/HmkSSsxEeu
a3: Norms, norms, norms. PLCs are a business meeting with our kids achievement as the bottom line
A3 Get clear on your purpose. All starts with the WHY. Collectively achieved, purpose liberates the conversation.
BOOM! Joann..i have stated this is the most honorable profession as we have ability to change and save lives everyday
for sure. Some teams need more guidance, while others may need less.
We jump to NORMS and TEAMBUILDING and ACCOUNTABILITY but don't have teams accountable for ANYTHING measurable
here's Q3 https://t.co/pizDtyvYSI
Q3 Simply providing 'meeting' time is not enough if not focused on the right work. How might we help our learning communities focus?
We are the Bert and Ernie of the PLC culture! Assmt is critical component of guiding learning!
yes. WHY in neon lights! Welcome, Tom :)
What is your team's interdependent SMART goal (not rhetorical)?
Great reminder! PLCS at any stage of journey can benefit from and your book!
Q4 Organizing staff into meaningful/focused collaborative teams results in maximum student learning. How should PLC teams be created?
I am beating this drum tonight, assessment is what informs, goals, learning, next steps. https://t.co/AtuCwxKLG9
Not sure what the Q is...but any assembly we call a TEAM had better be bound by REAL, MEASURABLE interdependent GOALS....MOST aren't
I believe we need these to provide focus, and the focus is the goal, and the goal is student success.
It has been a pleasure and chat group! I need to read with my kiddos before bed. Until next time
Thanks Rosa. Got to my hotel and knew I could jump on for some inspiration from smart colleagues
A3 PLCs often lose focus (and motivation) when there aren't clear goals and a tangible outcomes. Beginning with the end in mind helps
A3: Free Reproducibles - Some teams need scaffolding.
TY for joining us! Enjoy!!!
A4: Create teams that are driven by your vision. Then develop SMART Goals to attain your vision. That should drive the team members
What do we measure on a week to week basis with our collaborative teams...PURPOSE is critical....a measurable GOAL is ESSENTIAL =
Thanks my friend. We are a little biased but believe the book is critical to taking the first step.
A4: by department and then by classes taught.
Hey save your energy, you got a lot of inspiring to do tomorrow!!!
A4: Build collaborative teams around the Ss they collectively serve. The more hearts & brains united to serve Ss, the better
A4 One area to look at are mentoring roles with experienced and new Ts. Also areas of passion.
A4: staff that works with those children in all 3 Tiers. Supported by coaches, specialists, admin. In building and cross district.
True. Teams gain focus when they develop/define agreed upon benchmarks in the form of student outcomes they can see.
Can't be biased when it's that good! 😉.
A4: I like when PLCs form organically with teachers who are vested in sharing student assessments. Reflection over common work is key
True...but we have 2move fr the ambiguous 2the measurable. Measurable in specific intervals. We shy away from that in Ed.
PLC and Assessment - The Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire (remember them) of Learning. https://t.co/ZT5His8WRt
We are the Bert and Ernie of the PLC culture! Assmt is critical component of guiding learning!
No one is exempt from making a difference in the life of our kids! All means all isn't just about the students!
yes, thank you. I AM that old! But not that graceful
Team members should complement and support each other for strength and purpose.
SO TRUE!!! Why else are we here! https://t.co/LTbmKRs2Rg
No one is exempt from making a difference in the life of our kids! All means all isn't just about the students!
I believe in measurable results 100%. We must work together for the kids and norms help keep us all on track for this.
A4 Context matters. No one formula but critical to be organized in this fashion. There are more common interests than not.
One word, actually two - Formative assessment, well three - Common Formative Assessment -
Help me understand how short term goals limits us from achieving the BHA(end of year) goal?
Q5 How do we address the issue of team members who fail to honor the team's (collective) commitments to students?
YAASSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Thank you.....that they go after as a team...
A5: find out what excites them, who they are and what they enjoy. Build the relationship! It will come!
A4 Grade and deptmt are often used, but PLCs around problems of practice across content areas/grades are powerful yet underutilized
A5: With grace, first of all. Consistently, immediately, professionally & w/ the intent of moving forward to be better for kids
A5: Teachers need support & PD in how to courageously confront peers who do not live up to agreed upon norms https://t.co/n95T51vsHR
Q5 How do we address the issue of team members who fail to honor the team's (collective) commitments to students?
A5: a learning community holds each other accountable. WE are accountable for everyone's contributions, or lack of
A5:Those R the crucial conversations that leaders can't avoid. Rule 1.Students First! if that's a problem then refer back to rule #1.
A5: make one of the norms accountability
A5: Building leaders are accountable for these situations. It is too stressful and confrontational if teams address it alone.
A5 this must be addressed and not ignored. This can make or break a collaborative team.
A5 First as a unified team and then face to face away from the rest. https://t.co/uktkwzUady
Q5 How do we address the issue of team members who fail to honor the team's (collective) commitments to students?
A5: In a PLC, team members need to hold each other mutually accountable, but too often we are worried about feelings instead of Ss
We must all learn to have courageous conversations, yes
A5. They may not be on board, but we always approach professionally. Seek to understand hesitation.
A5: If we want whats best for kids then we must hold each other accountable. Why should others try to carry their load.
Relationships are important
I land at 12:30 bro! I'll be there ready to burn it down tomorrow morning! HONORED!
can i hug you!? YES, SIR. THis is about adult behaviors
I do this work a lot w/teams! I've seen it all... You are so right in that behaving like a true team takes practice
I agree! What we permit, we promote. What we don't confront, we condone. https://t.co/foiHRrjF9V
We must all learn to have courageous conversations, yes
A5 Not easy but must be done. Whether you create it or condone it, you own it.
Hopefully you will have no kids keeping you awake. Take a nap and Can't wait for you to wow our staff!
A5: Apply Covey's rule..... Seek first to understand. When you understand their thinking you will know how to move them forward.
Urban Meyer says, If you permit it, you promote it! Goes back to the behaviors we allow
As long as NORMS serve INTERDEPENDENT measurable goals, it's time well spent...if not, it's the dance of the ambiguous
also, PLCs need PD on HOW to analyze this data. That's not really taught in grad school
When teams aren't functioning optimally we can't blame people. We must coach & improve the process. https://t.co/ijQ9nWB5b9
I do this work a lot w/teams! I've seen it all... You are so right in that behaving like a true team takes practice
Q6 In what ways can site administrators or teacher coaches support the growth of our professional learning communities?
A5 If no action is taken it will speak volumes on the culture of the school. When addressed a leader gains a ton of credibility
Relationships help hold the ship together. The work of PLC in a healthy culture strengthens these bonds.
I agree. Sometimes the PD occurs at the same time as the meeting. Work in progress.
that's right! TY for joining us tonight.
Q6: "What can we do you you? What do you need?"
Admin can provide PD and be active participants in PLC's
Can't wait...it's been too long to meet an inspiration you met only once in person in your life
A6 They must provide time and join in on the work of the PLCs as often as possible. Be there and present! https://t.co/nrftfczB8y
Q6 In what ways can site administrators or teacher coaches support the growth of our professional learning communities?
A6: "What can we do for you? What do you need?"
agreed sometimes simply asking is support.
A6. We serve as the stewards of the collective work accomplished. We are the cheerleaders, navigators, coaches, mentors,
A6. Leaders need to stay active and aware of how PLC's are performing and the PLC needs to be accountable.
A6 this was my entire dissertation - shared leadership, shared vision, provide clarity, create structures, build relational culture
A6: Learn from the best! Get books from leaders like Rick DuFour, Also recommend The Speed of Trust
A6: By creating culture of learning for ALL & support it with every ounce of our being w/ laser focus on Ss https://t.co/Kv1n1IqI37
A6 set high expectations for PLC, dedicate time in wk day for PLC https://t.co/e9cj5AL3CT
Q6 In what ways can site administrators or teacher coaches support the growth of our professional learning communities?
A6: Providing feedback is essential to teams. Also, leaders have reciprocal accountability to ensure staff has PD needed to succeed
Good point. There's assumption that having meeting time means PLCs will automatically know how 2 communicate contructively
A6: model collaboration about the right work. Respect. Hold people accountable to work, relationships & norms. Build trust. All this!
A6: Make sure you are there to lead and guide teams as they begin the journey. Then Model, Model, Model.
A6: by having them partake in the process as well. Share in the learning and growing. Immerse themselves in various PLC groups.
A6: Be Passionate. Be A Risk Taker. Be Supportive. Be Present. Be A Listener. Be Proactive. Be A Leader. Be On The Team W/Staff.
A6-Be mindful of the needs of your staff and help the lead from the strengths
Q6 Be engaged and be present. Presence indicates importance
Present in every way. Are we really listening when present? https://t.co/FN1Y9VdRNL
Q6 Be engaged and be present. Presence indicates importance
A5: Another notion is to lead by example. It's hard to be the lone wolf if everyone else is on board.
You are all amazing. Thank you for contributing to a great chat! Have a great night.
Thanks Tom. Appreciate hearing this from leaders like you! https://t.co/E7wXv7aZE6
A6: Learn from the best! Get books from leaders like Rick DuFour, Also recommend The Speed of Trust
YES - Discussions centering around the right work - so important
PLC is the culture that begins the journey. Collaborative teams meet to figure out how to navigate the itinerary
Thanks for being a great facilitator!
