Shifting From Me to We: How to Jump-Start Collaboration in a PLC at Work® (A straightforward guide for establishing a collaborative team culture in professional learning communities)

by Michael Roberts

Overview

Rely on this straightforward guide to help you build the foundation of a true professional learning community (PLC). Packed with answers to common questions, Shifting from Me to We guides leaders at all levels in fostering a strong, collaborative culture. Author Michael Roberts details how to navigate major roadblocks, develop team best practices, and commit collective efforts to continuous improvement.

Use this resource to address the unique PLC challenges of your school or district :

• Become familiar with the skills and concepts necessary to build a strong collaborative foundation for your PLC.
• Study the strategies and methods used by schools that have successfully implemented a rigorous and thorough PLC process.
• Utilize the book’s concepts and skills to experiment and develop customized procedures and strategies as a collaborative team.
• Receive concrete learning targets that will help you develop your own process of PLC implementation.
• Understand how to effectively spread the message of your PLC to your school board, parents, and community stakeholders.

Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: “We’ve Met for Years, so Why Hasn’t It Changed my Practice?”
Chapter 2: “If We’re Collaborating, Why Aren’t You?”
Chapter 3: “We’re Supposed to Focus on a Few Things, but How Do We Decide What They Are?”
Chapter 4: “How Do You Find Time to Support Learning When There Are So Many Other Issues to Deal With?”
Chapter 5: “Won’t We Just Move On to Something Else Next Year?”
Chapter 6: “How Do We Know If We’re on the Right Track?”
Chapter 7: “What Can We Do to Help?”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781949539851
Publisher:	Solution Tree Press
Publication date:	06/19/2020
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.30(d)

Table of Contents

About the Author ix

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 "We've Met for Years, so Why Hasn't It Changed My Practice?" 7

Understanding PLC Lite 8

Leading the Journey to Accountability 12

Establishing Your Mission and Vision 17

Summary 21

Chapter 1 Discussion Questions 22

Chapter 1 Reflection Worksheet 23

Mission and Vision in Forty-Five Minutes 25

Chapter 2 "If We're Collaborating, Why Aren't You?" 29

Collaborating for Leadership 30

Forming a Guiding Coalition 32

Leading as a Team 34

Summary 38

Chapter 2 Discussion Questions 39

Chapter 2 Reflection Worksheet 40

Building an Effective, Balanced Leadership Team 42

Chapter 3 "We're Supposed to Focus on a Few Things, but How Do We Decide What They Are?" 43

Committing to the Mission and Vision 44

Selecting a Focused Set of Commitments 45

Summary 52

Chapter 3 Discussion Questions 53

Chapter 3 Reflection Worksheet 54

Selecting Collective Commitments 56

Chapter 4 "How Do You Find Time to Support Learning When There Are So Many Other Issues to Deal With?" 59

Protecting Time in Classrooms 60

Observing Efficiently 64

Sharing Best Practices 67

Including All Adults 69

Summary 72

Chapter 4 Discussion Questions 73

Chapter 4 Reflection Worksheet 74

Worksheet for Calendaring Time to Be in Classrooms 76

I Like, I Noticed, I Wonder Feedback Form 77

Peer Observation Form 78

Chapter 5 "Won't We Just Move On to Something Else Next Year?" 79

Staying Focused 81

Aligning Other Initiatives With the PLC Process 83

Tracking Data Over Time 85

Summary 87

Chapter 5 Discussion Questions 89

Chapter 5 Reflection Worksheet 90

Professional Learning Plan Review 92

Form for Tracking Data Over Time 94

Chapter 6 How Do We Know If We're on the Right Track?" 95

Setting Goals 96

Celebrating Progress and Achievements 101

Summary 106

Chapter 6 Discussion Questions 107

Chapter 6 Reflection Worksheet 108

Setting Yearlong Academic Goals 110

Chapter 7 "What Can We Do to Help?" 113

Communicating With the School Board 114

Communicating With Parents 116

Communicating With the Wider Community 118

Summary 120

Chapter 7 Discussion Questions 121

Chapter 7 Reflection Worksheet 122

Planning Sheet for Presentation to a School Board or Community Organization 124

Epilogue 127

References and Resources 129

Index 135

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"You know a book is great when you are asked to review it and you find yourself jotting down numerous ideas that will significantly impact other educators. Michael has written this very readable book, filled with practical ideas on how to break down complex tasks—such as creating a shared vision or getting a school board to understand PLCs—into concise and very doable processes. While reading, I also really appreciated the processing questions and space Michael gives readers to reflect on our learning while we continue the journey from me to we." —Brig Leane, educational consultant

"This book is a must-read for all school and district leaders who want to move their students forward. Michael Roberts has packed his book with ideas to do right now that will help any school move forward. His easy-to-follow guide will not only ensure student success but will get all staff members on board and truly move to a 'we' culture." —Kristin Kinghorn, principal, Andersen Elementary School, Arizona