Strategy 2: Create Structures That Promote a Professional Learning Environment

The PLP team will form a working group focused on the structures necessary for promoting a professional learning environment.  A key feature of this plan will be the development of open, transparent, and collaborative workspaces and classrooms that promote conversation leading to improved outcomes and achievement.  Collaboration, coaching/mentoring, and modeling will be used as part of professional learning practices to promote growth and increase implementation of new learning.  The workgroup will identify how to use the revised structure for professional learning and create time for collaborative teams to meet regularly to review student data and plan for instructional and behavioral improvements.

Action Steps:

• The workgroup will develop a collective theory of teaching and learning that is based on research.

• The workgroup will decide on a common school improvement model to be used throughout CJUSD that incorporates an ongoing cycle of conducting research, identifying strategies, implementing the strategies, evaluating results, and reviewing data to determine future actions.  

• The workgroup will develop a communication plan to inform all education partners.

• The workgroup will develop a training plan that includes follow through and dissemination of learning to engage all education partners. 

• The workgroup will identify a mentoring/coaching model for all employees.

• School sites and departments will identify facility needs for professional learning.

• The workgroup will identify specific, ongoing professional learning needs, by employee group, for the onboarding process.

• The workgroup will train working groups on the process of collecting common data.

• The workgroup will train working groups on the practice and process of collaboration with feedback (lesson study, coaching, peer-to-peer feedback, etc.).

• The workgroup will train employees on the coaching process for improving individual skills.

• The workgroup will develop a system of support to assist with implementation of the PLP. 

• The workgroup will revise its evaluation methods to incorporate professional learning.

• There will be clear messaging/shared understanding on growth mindset and clear outcomes.

Obstacles:

• The workgroup will need to develop flexible schedules that allow for time to plan and implement professional learning.

• The workgroup will identify funding to support costs associated with planning and implementation in an equitable manner.

• The workgroup will need to develop an understanding of and training on improvement science.

• The workgroup will need to develop a positive mindset regarding coaching.

• The workgroup will need knowledge of what data are available and access to them.

• The workgroup will need space conducive to professional learning.

• There will need to be collective bargaining agreements.

• The prevailing culture within CJUSD will need to be open to change.

• There will need to be incentivizing for participating (this could take various forms).

• The workgroup will need to provide subs and time for staff to take part in the professional learning.