PLCs

A lot of times I feel like new programs are just the administrations efforts to look like they are doing something productive.  Many of these programs just create more work that takes time away from my own curriculum development.  I do agree that working closely with fellow teachers can really help a new teacher and sometimes an old teacher.

When I went to the PLC conference, I noticed three things that they rarely mentioned that all successful PLCs had in common:

1. A more democratic school culture - a sense of empowerment among teachers.  If they are being micromanaged, they see PLC as something hierarchichal and mandatory.  If they have a real horizontal system, they embrace PLC.

2. Passion - Schools with successful PLCs had a passionate staff and a passionate administration.  

3. They never confused learning and test-taking.  They never focused on "teach to the test."  Instead, they used data from both standardized and authentic assessments and allowed the staff members to develop meaningful common assessments.

I am a student at Indiana University majoring in education. From my personal experience in high school, I remember my teachers having PLC days. I am curious about what happens in a typical PLC meeting?

I am also a student at Indiana University, and I am not familiar with the concept of PLC.  It sounds to me that if they are used properly they are a really good tool for students as well as teachers.  I am interested to know more about this type of collboration.