Virtual Professional Leadership Learning Communities (VPLC) for Building School Leaders' Instructional Capacity

• In Event: Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement

Abstract

Research is still emerging on how to develop school leaders’ instructional capacity. We implemented research-based practices through virtual professional learning communities (VPLC) for building school leaders’ instructional capacity. We examined the effectiveness of the VPLC from the perspective of practicing school leaders. We indicated that the participants were positive toward the VPLC in terms of: (a) increasing convenience and professional networking, (b) supporting community building and critical reflection among school leaders, and (c) providing resources for future use. The VPLC can be regarded as a gateway to increasing scalability of quality PD programs for school leaders serving low-performing campuses across the states. We, thus, can better support our nation’s school leaders through sustained effective professional learning through communities of practice.

Authors

• Roya Pashmforoosh, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Beverly J. Irby, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Rafael Lara-Alecio, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Fuhui Tong, Texas A&M University - College Station