PLCs

Focus on Learning

A crystal clear focus on what we expect students to know and be able to
do. (Benchmarks and learning targets)

Focus on Collaboration

Working together in teams with a commitment to continually improve
our core instruction and ensure high levels of learning for all students.

Focus on Results/Data

Are the students learning?
Are we being effective?
Evaluating of our success based on results, not intentions.

Instructional Strategies

Set up Norms/Expectations in the beginning(may need to revisit

throughout the year)

Review curriculum frameworks/benchmarks and learning targets:
o What are students expected to know and be able to do at the end of
this unit, this trimester, or this school year?

Look at the common assessments:
o How will we know if students are mastering the benchmarks/learning
targets?
o What is the best way to assess this during the learning process?
o What common assessments will we use?
o What types of questions do we need to keep in mind during
instruction?
o Utilize SciMath Website to check for clarity and misconceptions.

Look at the instructional points (must haves and supplements):
o What resources will help all students achieve mastery of the
benchmarks/learning targets?
o What am I going to do with the kids that will get it right away?
o What am I going to do with the kids that might struggle from the
start?

Agreement of an end date for a common assessment (length of the unit?) and
have the data ready.

Talk about the data--now what? (Remediation and enrichment)
o How can we provide remediation for the students who still dont show
mastery of the benchmarks/learning targets?
o How can we provide enrichment for the students who demonstrate
mastery of the benchmarks/learning targets?

Data Analysis

**After a given common assessment, here are some follow up questions:

Look at the summary data for all the teachers on your team as a whole.
o Which benchmark(s)/learning target(s) of the assessment did the
students, as a whole, demonstrate strength?
o Which benchmark(s)/learning target(s) did the students demonstrate
a general weakness (and why if known)?

Together, identify the student(s) and the specific benchmark(s)/learning
target(s) which they did not demonstrate mastery.
o How will your team respond now, at this time, to students who did not
demonstrate mastery? (i.e. interventions, re-teaching, etc.)
o What is your plan for extending and enriching learning for the
students who mastered the benchmark(s)/learning target(s)?

Give examples of a best practice, instructional strategy, or idea that was
shared amongst the Learning Team that proved to be effective in helping
students master specific benchmark(s)/learning target(s).

Look at the next set of benchmarks/learning targets your team will focus on.
o Which pretest will you be looking at next?
o Follow the prompts for the Instructional Strategies PLC.