STEM Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): New Research on Design, Implementation and Results

This archive focuses on a major new study, STEM Teachers in Professional Learning Communities, which addresses the questions: what makes STEM PLC's effective, and under what conditions? This archived webinar features two WestEd senior researchers: study lead author Ted Britton, Associate Director, STEM Program; and Rose Owens-West, Director, Region IX Equity Assistance Center.Use the archived online slide show below with the topics by time document on the right to guide your overview.



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Presenters

Ted Britton (Primary)

Associate Director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
WestEd

Rose Owens-West

Director, Region IX Equity Assistance Center
WestEd

Description

Teacher professional learning communities (PLC's) are rapidly spreading as a major strategy in the field of professional development at large, including with STEM teachers. What is the evidence for their effectiveness? Under what conditions? Evidence is growing that shows STEM teachers who participate in well-designed and run PLCs gain content knowledge and change their instructional practices in ways consistent with promoting better student learning in science and mathematics. Key issues in design and implementation of STEM PLCs include: shared goals and values, leadership support, issues of time and pacing, focus on student data and work products, collective responsibility for student achievement, good facilitation, and building trust.

This webinar is especially designed for teacher leaders, professional development coaches, and directors of curriculum and instruction. In this webinar, learn about:

• How effective PLC's can impact teacher retention
  
• Impacts of effective PLC's on teacher practice
  
• What makes effective learning communities so important for student success

This webinar is based on two versions of a report from a major new study, STEM teachers in professional learning communities (PLCs): (1) A knowledge synthesis; (2) From good teachers to great teaching. The second, shorter report was released in summer 2011 at a U.S. Congressional briefing, while the longer report covers the results of the knowledge synthesis in more detail. The National Science Foundation funded this study by WestEd's STEM Program and the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF).

This event addresses a key area of work in WestEd's new Region IX Equity Assistance Center: improving teachers' STEM content knowledge through professional development. Center director Rose Owens-West will introduce the new Equity Assistance Center and briefly familiarize participants with the Center's services.

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