Dr. Eric Twadell gave a presentation to Wawasee teachers and administrators.

SYRACUSE — On the surface level, “professional learning communities” sounds nice, but what does it really mean? And why are they even used?

PLCs have been used elsewhere and essentially the foundation has been laid for implementation in schools of the Wawasee Community School Corporation. An emphasis is being placed on them enough to bring in Dr. Eric Twadell, a superintendent for a school district in Lincolnshire, Ill., for a whole day to give a presentation on PLCs to Wawasee teachers and administrators Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Wawasee Middle School cafeteria.

That day was designated an eLearning day and students used their computers for learning at home.

One definition of a PLC provided to Wawasee teachers is “educators committed to working collaboratively in ongoing processes of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve. Professional learning communities operate under the assumption that the key to improved learning for students is continuous, job-embedded learning for educators.”

Twadell gave an overview of the format and structure for a PLC. He talked about why they are used, how to use them and specific actions teachers need to take when they are working in their teams. Three big ideas of being a PLC were provided: a focus on learning, collaborative culture and focus on results.

When implementing a PLC, it is assumed teachers can really make a difference and schools can be more effective, schools improving their people is the key to improving schools and significant school improvement will impact teaching and learning.

During the August school board meeting, it was noted PLCs will be a point of emphasis this school year and in addition to Twadell’s presentation, they will be talked about in some of the Wednesday morning Smart Starts. And during the Sept. 10 board meeting, a presentation was given on PLCs.

Lee Snider, principal of North Webster Elementary, and who is familiar with what a professional learning community looks like, said teachers will be working in teams organized by the subject and grade they teach. Two of the first steps in the process of implementing a PLC are to identify the priority state standards, and then establish the criteria for successfully meeting that standard.

Wawasee teachers have worked together for many years, but not in this way. “What will be new is the depth of their work in collaborative teams and the focus on student learning and results,” Snider said.

He added, “Our teachers will seek the most effective methods of teaching and learning, test the methods and then reflect on the results.” Students who struggle will be given additional time and opportunity to learn the content and those who have already learned the content are to be given “enrichment opportunities.”

Professional development is also not new. Smart Starts have been used for several years and teachers also attend seminars during the summer months. But professional development will change somewhat.

“Our intent is that all professional development will be implemented through, and as a result of, the PLC process,” Snider commented.

Improving student learning can be more clearly defined as “specifically mastery of essential state standards.” Snider noted it is anticipated as students improve their mastery of those state standards, learning will translate to growth on state assessments.