Student achievement in California has not rebounded after the precipitous declines of the COVID-19 pandemic, with English language arts (ELA) and math scores remaining well below prepandemic levels. Student attendance has declined dramatically, and trauma and time away from school have led to mental health challenges, delays in social development,…

Professional learning communities have developed into one of the greatest tools of school improvement, along with being a critical component of educational reform. The problem addressed in this study was decreased teacher performance and student achievement in six North Carolina schools resulting from negative perceptions of professional learning…

The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of teachers regarding their continued professional growth. This research explored teacher professional learning through lesson study as it embraces growth for both teachers and students through collaborative conversations. This study aimed to examine the effects of lesson study professional…

The purpose of this applied research study, using program evaluation, was to improve professional development for teachers to build their capacity in student engagement. This applied research study used three elements: professional development, professional learning communities, and observation-feedback, to improve teacher quality and to increase…

This report examines the characteristics, geographic distributions, and descriptive student outcomes of Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® Schools in Texas. Model PLC at Work® Schools voluntarily apply for this designation, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative data-driven instructional practices designed to improve student…

The development of Social-Emotional Learning competencies can have a profound impact on student success, helping students build connections to their school, teachers, and peers, overcome challenges, and develop academic habits that foster academic and personal success. In high schools SEL skills are often taught in isolation from academic…

This policy brief examines the impact of Solution Tree's PLC at Work® process on student achievement in Texas schools. Using a quasi-experimental design and statewide data, we found that students in Model PLC Schools made meaningful academic gains, averaging 3.1 months of additional learning in math and 2 months in reading compared to similar…

This report evaluates the impact of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process on student academic achievement over a three-year period in Texas public schools. Drawing on linked administrative data from the University of Houston Education Research Center (UH-ERC), the study uses a quasi-experimental approach to compare…

Background/Context: While current research provides key insights about successful collaboration in which teachers experience deep learning and practice change, few studies analyze the content of teachers' collaborative conversations about instruction. Even fewer explore how the content of collaborative conversations evolves over time, making it…

New York State adopted regulations that mandate collaboration among ESOL and content teachers in integrated periods where ELLs are mainstreamed into general education classes. We documented trends in elementary and ESOL teachers' co-teaching practices across 3 years of state policy implementation. Findings revealed that even with limited…

During recent decades, professional learning communities (PLCs) have enhanced education from lower grade levels through college years, with many resulting benefits. PLCs provide an environment that encourages professional development, collaboration and innovation among teachers. Research suggests positive school reform occurs when teachers…

Research suggests that academically gifted students are often underserved when it comes to the school setting. Academically gifted students require specialized instruction to challenge them. Several successful strategies exist for creating an educational environment that appropriately challenges and helps these students achieve academic growth;…

This study examined the effects of John Kotter's Eight Steps for Successful Change framework and strategies in systems implementation in a secondary educational environment. Teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of Kotter's strategies used by their administrative team to support positive change were examined. The study evaluated data provided…

This is a research report on student learning and teacher pedagogical transformation at National University of Samoa after adoption of a technology-enabled learning framework and series of capacity building workshops. [This report was produced with the National University of Samoa.]

Professional learning communities (PLCs) are increasingly providing opportunities for school teachers to collaborate in order to develop shared beliefs about learning. Five key characteristics ensure the PLC's effectiveness. A PLC requires collaboration and a learning culture of trust among teachers. A goal-oriented plan is needed that involves…