Informal Tools

Informal Tools

These less formal tools assist teachers and school administrators in their efforts to analyze data and dialogue about dimensions and critical attributes of a PLC, to create plans for fostering a culture of learning, and to structure next steps in developing a PLC school.

Tool Typical Setting Purpose
Professional Learning Community Organizer (PLCO) Facilitator led To illustrate research-based practices that enhance school efforts under each of the five PLC dimensions and phases of change.
Professional Learning Community Development Rubric (PLCDR) Individual and small group dialogue To reflect on the school’s culture to delineate the progression of specific school-level practices that reflect each dimension of a PLC through each level of change.
Professional Learning Community Innovation Configuration Map (PLC-ICM) Individual and small group To identify actions and critical attributes within each phase of change for each PLC dimension.
Structured Dialogue Small group To deepen initial discussion regarding perceptions, assumptions, and deep-seated beliefs in order to understand the views of others and establish authentic relationships.
External Support System- Innovation Configuration Map (ESS-ICM) Individual and small group To identify actions and critical attributes of the district office, parents and families, and community members as external supportsfor PLC development.
Professional Teaching and Learning Cycle (PTLC) Large group To promote exploration and discussion of ongoing, job-embedded professional development focused on alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to state standards.
Action Plan for Creating PLCs Small group To define goals and consider the current phase of implementation of each PLC dimension, plan next steps, develop an implementation timeline, and identify persons responsible for achieving each step.
District Leadership Actions Large or small group To identify and define leadership actions utilized by district staff to build leadership capacity and support the PLC framework in schools.
Alignment Examination Tool Medium to small group To help the district leadership team compare conditions and practices in their district and schools to those in high-performing districts and schools.

A summary of informal diagnostic and planning tools with typical group sizes and purposes