PLC's around the U.S.

When searching for videos about Professional Learning Communities, I stumbled upon a video clip about West Valley High School in Fairbanks. Apparently this school does the late start school model that our district has recently implemented. I thought this was something special to my district, so it was interesting to see that other schools around the country are implementing it as well. This is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68H7tEDFxW8

Martin-Kniep (2008) describes on page 119 that "some of the most significant products of PLCs directly affect teaching and learning. The include units, lessons, and assignments, as well as formal student assessment measures." The video clip explains an issue West Valley High School's principal is working to improve. She noticed that teachers at times will isolate themselves in their rooms. This new PLC is a special time devoted for "experts" in certain subjects to collaborate and talk about student improvement and assessment. Martin-Kniep and this high school principal understand the importance of planned professional collaboration for the success of students.