Book Study: Whatever it Takes - Chapter 10

[Chandler Smith]

Chapter 10: Creating the Culture of a Professional Learning Community requires a cultural shift that takes time to fully realize. Discuss at least one specific thing that you, your team, and your school can do to promote the development of this culture.

[eweathers2]

We can pick one area that we want to present as a united front -- this is a school wide policy -- for example: late work ... every teacher in the school will do X about late work --

The policy would be created by the entire faculty -- all would have to have input with a central committee compiling all suggestions and bringing them back to the faculty for revisions etc until there is a consensus

[cbreaux]

Way to go Weathers, steal mine. I think most of the staff would agree that a late work policy would be very beneficial to our school. This should be decided by the entire staff and enforced by everyone as well.

I also think that a policy should be in place for students who do not turn in assignments. Some students would prefer to take a 0 than actually complete an assignment. While giving them a 0 may have an impact on their grade, they miss out on the learning experience that the project or assignment was intended to create. If harsher penalties are in place, maybe students would be more likely to do assignments and do them correctly.

[kryush]

I agree with both. I know that our PE department are all on the same page as far as handling different situations/grading. However I know that not every department follows the same protocol (even though we have been told to). Some teachers choose to make their own rules as far as grading is concerend. But there is no accountablitly. It has been said that HW should count for ONLY 5% of studnets grades, but how many teachers do not abide by this rule? Also the no zero policy. Humm... we all know how that one works. But anyway, if this is to work across the board teachers should be held accountable for their actions. Student will realize that this is a policy across the board from class to class and will have no room to "be surprised" or "confused" when grades are posted and how much weight each assignement is worth. Projects across the board count for this much, HW this much, in class work this much, test etc etc.. If it is the same for all then perhaps it would help students to understand the process better.