Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs, is a school improvement model that continues to grow in popularity as a means to build capacity, embed professional development, create a positive school culture, grow accountability, and increase student achievement. This book provides an overview for why PLCs are needed & what they can accomplish.
Industry Reviews
"The most important volume available to help principals undertake the challenging yet exhilarating work of building true communities of professional learning." -- Joseph Murphy, Professor "It takes leadership for a school to become a community of professional learners, and that's what this book is about. Steeped in years of study and immersed in the realities of school life, the book does not gloss over the challenges that leaders will encounter as they embark on this journey. The authors draw upon rich research evidence and personal experiences, sprinkle humorous vignettes throughout, and offer many practical and proven change strategies. This is a valuable resource for any educational leader who wishes to become a 'head learner.'" -- Arthur L. Costa, Professor Emeritus "Hord is the originator of the triple-headed concept of professional learning communities. Sommers is an experienced administrator and past president of the National Staff Development Council. With their extensive backgrounds in educational evaluation and the implementation of school change and development, they are uniquely equipped to delineate and defend a particular vision of professional learning communities that has educational depth, professional richness, and moral integrity." -- From the Foreword by Andy Hargreaves "A well-developed research base supports the importance of professional learning communities, but until this book, how-to publications have been short on empirical evidence. Hord and Sommers create a powerful bridge between knowledge and action that reflects their deep experience as scholar-practitioners committed to improving school culture. The book's dual focus on principles and 'rocks in the road' provide a grounded basis for school leaders. A dog-eared copy should be in every principal's office and in every professional developer's tool kit." -- Karen Seashore Louis, Rodney S. Wallace Professor "Readers will immediately sense from the authors a deep respect for educators combined with an understanding of the challenges that schools face today. Hord and Sommers's rationale and suggestions will resonate because they come from experience and great insight. The bottom line remains steadfast for these two distinguished educators: you implement a PLC so that teachers learn and students achieve. This text will help educators reach toward that compelling vision." -- Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director "An excellent guide highly recommended for working professional educators." -- The Bookwatch, April 2008
