Developing Learning Communities Through Teacher Expertise

Learn Practical Methods For Developing A Collaborative Environment Where Teachers And Administrators Work Together To Enhance Teachers′ Practices, Increase Student Learning, And Produce Valuable School Processes. Cover -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- About The Author -- Chapter 1 - Learning Communities -- What Are Learning Communities? -- Why Are They Important? -- What Do Learning Communities Do? What Do They Require To Function? -- What Gets In The Way Of The Development Of Learning Communities? -- What Can We Do To Support Learning Communities? -- Possible Questions For The Reader -- Recommended Books On Learning Communities -- Chapter 2 - Standards-based Curriculum And Assessment Design -- What Does It Take To Develop A Standards-based, Learner-centered Unit? -- How Do We Help Teachers Develop High-quality Standards-based Units? -- Possible Questions For The Reader -- Recommended Books On Standards-based Curriculum And Assessment Design -- Chapter 3 - Data-driven Inquiry And Action Research -- Three Examples Of Inquiry -- How Can Schools Support Individual, Collaborative, And School-based Research? -- Possible Questions For The Reader -- Recommended Books On Action Research And Use Of Data -- Chapter 4 - Professional Portfolios -- What Do Professional Portfolios Include? -- Understanding And Use Of Standards-based And Learner-centered Curriculum And Assessment -- Use Of Reflection And Data To Improve One's Practice -- How Are Professional Portfolios Organized? -- How Can Schools Begin To Support The Development And Use Of Professional Portfolios? -- Possible Questions For The Reader -- Recommended Books On Portfolios -- Chapter 5 - Developing An Action Plan -- Identification Of Internal Expertise -- Assessment Of Needs -- Brokering Of Relationships Among Teachers -- Curriculum And Assessment Design Work -- Inquiry And Analysis Work -- Professional Portfolio Work -- Appendix A: Description Of Csetl And Its Mission -- Appendix B: Unit Design Template -- Appendix C: Application To Become A Csetl Fellow. Appendix D: Professional Portfolio Rubric -- References -- Index.