Connecting Teacher Collective Efficacy and Professional Learning Communities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Factors Supporting Teachers' Organizational Perceptions, Behaviors, and Learning Communities

Abstract

Effective professional learning communities (PLCs) enhance teacher collaboration and student achievement. Some studies indicate that these communities also predict greater collective efficacy, while others suggest teacher efficacy is predictive of teachers working together. Although studies have identified effective PLC practices, how these practices effect collective efficacy has not been thoroughly studied. This study, using structural equation modeling, investigated the relationship among PLCs and teachers’ collective efficacy drawing on 310 surveys from 16 schools in one district that had systematically implemented PLCs. Our findings showed that higher functioning PLCs predict higher levels of teacher collective efficacy (TCE). This suggests that engaging and supporting teachers in PLC work, can lead to enhanced TCE, which in turn can contribute to improved student achievement.

Author

• Robert H. Voelkel, University of North Texas