Distributed Leadership Practices in Support of Professional Learning Communities in One Middle School

• In Event: 35.061 - Connections Between Professional Learning Community Leadership and School Improvement

Abstract

This case study focused on how leadership distributed across formal and informal leaders can operate in support of Professional Learning Community (PLC) implementation in one middle school in the Midwest, employing Hord’s (1997) five PLC dimensions as a theoretical lens. Semi-structured interviews with administrators and teachers and a focus group with instructional coaches were used as main data collection methods. We also observed teacher meetings and classrooms as well as reviewing team meeting agendas. Findings confirmed how administrators distributed their leadership across the school and interacted with formal and informal leaders to promote mature PLC practices. Findings also disclosed specific roles of formal and informal leaders in PLC implementation within the distributed leadership context.

Authors

• Joonkil Ahn, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Donald G. Hackmann, Iowa State University