ERIC Number: ED552992
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 157
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3030-2706-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Implementation and Perceived Effectiveness of Professional Learning Communities in the Kanawha County School District in West Virginia
Brucker, Elizabeth L.
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Marshall University
The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' perceptions of levels of implementation and levels of effectiveness in improving student learning of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in Kanawha County Schools. This study also sought to determine differences in levels of implementation and effectiveness for five selected independent variables and examined the relationship between levels of implementation and levels of effectiveness. Finally, this study described teachers' suggestions to enhance their PLC experience and identified challenges that hindered the implementation of PLCs. A researcher-developed survey was used to collect data. The study population consisted of 1,788 teachers. Respondents (N=1,017) were from 44 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and eight high schools. Teachers reported PLC implementation levels as some of the time and most of the time and judged them to be somewhat effective and effective in improving student learning. Levels of implementation were significantly different based on organizational structure, grade/developmental level, and sex. Levels of effectiveness were significantly different based on grade/developmental level. The correlation between levels of implementation and levels of effectiveness was significant and moderately strong. Allowing schools to select content for PLC meetings and more effective team construction were the strategies most often suggested to enhance the PLC experience. The most frequently listed challenges to implementation of PLCs were negative attitude, pre-decided content and inadequate training. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Communities of Practice, Teacher Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Predictor Variables, Teacher Surveys, Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Administrative Organization, Gender Differences, Age Differences, Correlation, Negative Attitudes, Faculty Development
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: West Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A