Author : Minerva Martinez-Zanca
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 176 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (14 download)
Book Synopsis Collaborative Leadership Practices in Middle Schools to Improve Student Learning in English Language Arts and Math by : Minerva Martinez-Zanca
Download or read book Collaborative Leadership Practices in Middle Schools to Improve Student Learning in English Language Arts and Math written by Minerva Martinez-Zanca and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last few decades, there have been numerous government mandated school reform efforts funded by federal, state, and local governments to turn around failing schools. School districts in the NYCDOE endorse professional learning communities to help teachers obtain the knowledge and skills that can lead to increased educator effectiveness and improved results for students. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how the implementation of the professional development (PD) provided to English Language Arts (ELA) and math middle school teachers in professional learning communities (PLCs) in two high needs, under resourced, urban districts enabled teachers to create the guiding coalition to bring about change that affects teacher practice and helps improve student achievement. Research participants included two middle school principals, seven middle school teachers of ELA and math, and two PLCs. The study was guided by three research questions. Data were collected through a document review, in-person interviews, and observations of PLC interactions at the participants' middle schools. The findings that emerged included the importance of collaboration and teamwork, common planning time, content area and grade level teams, differentiated PD, peer observation and feedback, and using data to drive instruction. School leaders and teachers agree that professional learning communities are valuable sources of professional study and subsequent capacity building. They understand that having the time within their workday to strategize with their colleagues prepares them to improve outcomes for both adult and student learners. Implications for future research include investigating methods that support the professional development of veteran teachers, teachers who may have different perspectives, and less experienced leaders, so that they can make significant and sustainable contributions to PLCs.