Professional learning communities lead to richer teaching and learning
Even during a year full of transition, I am constantly amazed by the dedication of my colleagues in the Kelso School District. Time and again, the teachers, support staff and administrators have demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes to support student success.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the staff’s continued commitment to professional development. The spring issue of the Educator described a few of the collaborative activities that occur during teacher in-service days. These activities greatly enhance our teachers’ ability to use the best practices for engaging students in meaningful learning.
The goal of all in-service activities in Kelso is to create professional learning communities in which educators learn from and challenge one another to continue improving instruction. Kelso teachers have always held meetings between teachers of the same grade level or subject area, but increasingly Kelso teachers are meeting across disciplines to discuss effective methods of instruction, develop building goals and share the latest research on student learning.
Research tells us that professional learning communities are a potent strategy for school change and improvement. When staff members work collaboratively, they develop a support network that fosters creativity, innovation, shared values and personal growth. Teachers in professional learning communities demonstrate higher job satisfaction and an increased commitment to improvement goals.
Students also reap the benefits of professional learning communities. A study by Texas researcher S.M. Hord found that in schools with vibrant professional learning communities, outcomes for students included:
- decreased dropout rate and lower rates of absenteeism.
- greater academic gains in math, science, history and reading than in traditional schools.
- smaller achievement gaps between students from different backgrounds.
I think our own Huntington Principal Elaine Cockrell put it best when she said in the last Educator that the best part of professional development days is "seeing the gleam in people’s eyes when we talk about student success."
Indeed, one thing I have learned during my 38 years in education is that the best teachers are inspired teachers. In Kelso, I am proud to say that our teachers consistently inspire one another to new heights, while our administrators provide steady leadership and supportive relationships for our teachers.
As we move into summer and look forward to the 2009-10 school year, I want to thank the teachers and principals in Kelso for taking the time to collaborate and support one another through some very challenging times. Your dedication to one another and to this district continues to inspire me every day.
Sincerely,
Glenys Hill
Superintendent |
