Week+4+Discussion


 * Discuss the role of learning communities as a professional development tool to move teachers from knowledge to action in using formative assessments to improve student performance. What implications might this information have for the professional development portion of the campus action plan that you develop in the Week 4 Application assignment? ? **

Learning communities are essential for teachers to keep their fingers on the pulse of their students. Teachers need to make sure that what they are teaching is being received and understood. By using regular formative assessments, teachers are given valuable data to take back to their peers. As teachers reflect and discuss the results of ongoing assessments, they are better able to determine where the students are (do we need to spend more time on this topic? Do they need more practice? Do they have it?), and if any adjustments need to be made. A cycle of constant feedback is generated between student and teacher and among teachers. Teachers feel supported by each other and can obtain accurate and honest feedback on a regular basis.

Establishing a supportive learning community eases the process of change when everyone is going through it together, and everyone supports one another. In creating a campus action plan, some sort of change will most likely be required by some or all of the teachers. Real change is hard to implement, but if teachers feel supported and like they are not the only ones doing it, any sort of change has a chance of succeeding. As professional development activities are designed, the facilitators must keep these things in mind. Educators need to be involved, engaged, and be shown that a real change is needed. Perhaps then, all those handouts won’t end up in the trash bin outside the meeting room door!