A Case Study: Professional Learning Community Characteristics in Selected Professional Development Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: New Developments in School-University Collaborative Research

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify key instructional strategies and practices which are embedded into the school culture. This study identified key professional learning community practices and characteristics of four Professional Development Schools (PDS) partnering with a regional university. Research data was collected by both quantitative and qualitative approaches which include a professional learning community survey, one-to-one teacher, principal, and group interviews, and document reviews. The data were analyzed to find strengths and areas of improvement within the school culture of the PDS campuses. Initial findings of the professional learning community dimensions suggest shared values and vision, collective learning, supportive conditions related to relationships and structures are the most developed dimensions found within the PDS campuses.

Authors

• Phillip Jeffrey Blacklock, Midwestern State University

• Daphney Leann Curry, Midwestern State University