Demystifying Professional Learning Communities School Leadership at Its Best

The purpose of this book is to clearly define an approach to school improvement that uses professional learning community (PLC) practices to achieve school improvement and success for every student. This book offers information, examples and case studies to clarify the concept of a PLC, to respond to critical issues in schools, and to support educational leaders in addressing the important mandates of accountability and school improvement. As school leaders proactively lead efforts to create learning communities, their schools, districts, and staff will incorporate knowledge, skills, and practices that focus on teaching and learning for all. The authors' findings will assist leaders, change agents, policy makers, and university faculty in guiding schools toward creating and maintaining PLCs as they sustain school improvement for student learning.

Kristine Kiefer Hipp is a professor in the Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service and District Administrative Licensure programs at Cardinal Stritch University where she serves in the university's Leadership Center, coordinating leadership programs in Corciano, Italy. Jane Bumpers Huffman is an associate professor at the University of North Texas where she coordinates the Educational Administration Doctoral Program. Huffman served as a visiting scholar in 2009 at National Taiwan Normal University.