Standards+Question+2


 * Read the Case Study regarding Learning Communities on page 9 of the NSDC Standards text handed out in class. In your PLC discuss Discussion Questions 1-3. Have a record keeper in your group synthesize your group's responses to these questions. If your group needed more information, describe what you need to know and how you would go about discovering this information.**

1. What is the role of district and school visions, missions, and goals in relation to this standard?

The district needs to support it and allow time. The school vision and mission needs to enforce learning communities and collaboration. 2. What factors and/or structures at the district and school levels support continuous learning and development, collaboration, and shared purpose of learning communities? What inhibits them?

The common planning time, common students, and common themes support the purpose of learning communities. The specific theme can inhibit them. 3. What kinds of teams are administrators and teachers assigned to? What are some of the current strengths and weaknesses of each team?

They are assigned to grade level teams. Some strengths are that you are working with the same kids and are able to build mentorships. You can build in remediation and acceleration. Some weaknesses are that you are not going to be collaborating with fellow curriculum teachers, and it will be hard to create "masters".

Extension Question:

How is the NSDC Learning Communities standard evidenced or not evidenced within your school systems? How did you come to these understandings about your school? We think it depends on the level that you teach. It is seen more in elementary schools. In high schools, there are department meetings not grade-wide meetings. In elementary schools, teachers meet with their grade levels and collaborate.