Teacher Collaboration for Professional Learning: Facilitating Study, Research, and Inquiry Communities

List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits v

Foreword by Janice F. Almasi vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

The Authors xv

The Contributors xvii

Part 1 Why Support Collaborative Research? 1

Chapter 1 Improving Teacher Professional Learning 3

Chapter 2 Initiating Educational Improvements 13

Part 2 Building a Professional Learning Community 27

Chapter 3 Understanding the Inquiry Process 29

Chapter 4 Getting Started 39

Chapter 5 Staying Productive 65

Part 3 Collaborating Effectively 75

Chapter 6 Ethical Considerations: Improving Group Dynamics 77

Chapter 7 Leadership Strategies for Collaborative Support Groups 89

Part 4 Model Learning Communities in Action 97

Chapter 8 School-Based and Partnership Communities 99

Chapter 9 Networking and Online Collaborations 119

Chapter 10 A Districtwide Model: The Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher Researcher Network, Contributed by Gail V. Ritchie 129

Epilogue: Supporting and Sustaining Professional Collaboration 145

Appendixes

Appendix A Tools and Templates 149

Stage 1: Getting to Know Invited Members 150

Brainstorming Chart: Whom to Invite to the Group 152

Stage 2: Sharing Perspectives and Talents 154

Tentative Agenda for Meetings 155

Meeting Minutes 156

Roles Signup Sheet 157

Stage 3: Supporting Each Other’s Efforts and Learning 158

Stage 4: Exploring the Possibilities 159

Ongoing Group Evaluation 160

Final Reflections 162

Stage 5: Ongoing Conversations 163

Appendix B Reflection Questions 165

Appendix C Study Group Exercises 169

Appendix D Valuable Resources 171

Appendix E Teacher Research Survey 173

References 177

Index 181