Content-based PLC Prior research suggests content-based PLC’s focusing on a subject area and strategies for instruction have the greatest impact on student achievement (Diver and Lash, 2013; DuFour and Mattos, 2013; Williams, 2013; Egodawatte …show more content…
The pre-survey will assess the teachers’ bias and expectations for the PLC. Midway through the study teachers will complete a check in (Appendix C) to aid in establishing themes within the PLC environment. At the conclusion of the school year a post-survey (Appendix B) searches to identify the teachers’ behaviors in the PLC and will look at how these behaviors affected instructional practices and student achievement.
The pre-survey, final survey, and check point use similar questioning within a Likert scale and open-ended responses. The results will be compared using descriptive statistics at each point of study to determine patterns. Efron and Ravid (2013), “A rating scale is used to record the extent to which specific behavior or situation exits” (p. 96). The Likert scale used focuses on the categories of a focus on student assessment data, collaborative and supportive environment, improvement of teaching practices, and students’ growth. Additionally, the mid check will help establish if the implemented strategies are effective or if adjustments are needed within the PLC framework. The open-ended, written portions of the survey will be analyzed based on predetermined categories gathered from the Likert …show more content…
The instructional coach will observe the same lesson plan presented by the two teachers in the study and will provide both descriptive and reflective notes using a t-chart. The instructional coach will observe both teachers three times during the study. Efron and Ravid (2013) ascertain, “Assessment tools may not accurately capture student performance, the content taught, or the effectiveness of the teaching strategies” (p. 68). The instructional coach’s observation will serve as an outside source to support or refute the assessment data. The researcher will then compare the two sets of notes and look for patterns of similarities and differences, as well as, students’ responses to the shared strategies. The researcher will look for emerging categories demonstrating ways instructional practices changed due to data and the PLC environment and evidence of student