A Professional Learning Community's Impact on Teacher Pedagogy and Target Student Outcomes
Author: Nicole Williams Browning
Publisher:
Published: 2015
Total Pages: 214
ISBN-13: 9781339440293
DOWNLOAD EBOOK"This mixed methods, convergent research study sought to examine teachers'experiences within a professional learning community, aimed in part at narrowing the achievement gap of target students at a large suburban school. The teachers explored and then monitored strategic instructional practices, while developing relationships with target students (African American, Latino, and English language learners) under the umbrella of a professional learning community (PLC). During a 2-year time period, teachers developed and implemented research-based interventions to all students and monitored monthly the progress of target students. The data for the study were gathered by administering a Likert-scale and open-response survey to the teachers at the conclusion of the study. The results revealed that working within a PLC provided structure and the opportunity to implement effective instructional practices and to develop meaningful relationships with target students that led to improved academic outcomes. This research study proved successful in meeting the academic and emotional needs of students as measured by student achievement and reduced suspensions. However, in the professional learning communities, the teachers did not freely discuss the topic of race and its impact on the achievement gap, bringing attention to the need to still address how race and the achievement gap intersect."--Abstract, p. 1.