Teacher Learning Communities (TLCs)

Teacher Learning Communities focused on formative assessment show significant potential for improving teaching practice and student achievement.

(Wiliam and Thompson, 2007)

Teacher Learning Communities

Slide 1

TLCs Focused on Formative Assessment

TLCs support teacher learning in three key ways:

1. Provision of additional content and pedagogical content knowledge

2. A structure for supportive accountability3. Knowledge transfer

(Reeves et al, 2001; Wenger, 1998; Wilson & Berne, 1999; Nonacid & Takeuchi, 1995)

Slide 2

• Commitment to improving teaching and learning• De-privatization of teaching• Accountability for making changes• Deeper understanding of process of formative

assessment• A process for sharing examples of practice and for

asking questions or clarifications

(Lyon & Wylie, 2009)

Learn-Practice-Reflect-Revise

TLCs: What Can Develop

Slide 3

Your TurnIn the following video, Dylan Wiliam discusses the benefits of TLCs:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COfxsTPTLFg

Discussion Questions:1. What did you learn about the value of TLCs?2. What practices, protocols or approaches

would you consider using in your TLC?

Slide 4

Your Turn: Myths and Misconceptions

Use Handout 1.1.1 to discuss common (mis)understandings about TLCs.

When finished, share your results with the whole group and/or in small groups.

Slide 5

Getting Started:• Develop common understanding of purpose• Establish meeting expectations• Establish meeting routines• Maintain focus and flexibility

(Wylie & Heritage, 2010)

Planning for TLCs

Slide 6

• Decide when to meet• Remember that time is a scarce commodity• Keep in mind that it is hard to sustain momentum and

commitment when meetings are infrequent (Lyon, Cleland & Gannon, 2008)

• Preserve meeting time

(Wylie & Heritage, 2010)

Planning for TLCs

Slide 7

Every meeting should have a similar routine:1. Share progress since last meeting2. Explore new or deeper aspect of formative

assessment3. Plan for what you will do before the next meeting4. Dedicate a minimum of 75 minutes per TLC for

change

SUPPORTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY!

Routines and Structure

Slide 8

“I think specifically what was helpful was the ridiculous action plan. I thought that was the dumbest thing, but I’m sitting with my friends and on the action plan I write down what I am going to do next month…It was because I wrote it down and I had it in my little packet and that idea of making improvements, sort of informally, which is much more powerful than formally committing to doing it. I was surprised at how strong an incentive that was to actually do something different…just the idea of sitting in a group, working out something, and making a commitment, even something as informal…I was impressed about how that actually made me do stuff.”

(Group C Member, May 2005; Wylie, Lyon & Mavronikolas, 2008)

Action Plans

Slide 9

DO NOT PERMIT ANYTHING TO GET IN THE WAY!

Slide 10

Your TurnNow it’s time to start making plans for your TLC. Use Handout 1.1.2 to:• Develop a common understanding of

purpose• Establish meeting expectations• Establish meeting routines• Support focus and flexibility

Share your TLC plans and decisions with your facilitator and/or site leader.

Slide 11

Try It Out• Set up an initial TLC meeting

• Establish an agenda

• Record your meeting agenda, notes and decisions

• Post your action plan

Slide 12