Professional learning communities are a popular way of helping teachers work together to solve problems and improve instruction, but it can be hard to judge how effective they are.
A new guide from the Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic outlines 49 evidence-based measures districts can use to assess those groups. It details 31 quantitative and 18 qualitative measures that gauge a variety of aspects of a professional learning community, including: shared and supportive leadership, shared values and vision, collective learning and application, personal practice, and supportive conditions for structure and relationships.
The authors recommend districts consider the goals of their groups and tailor assessments based on local needs.
