STEM Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): New Research on Design, Implementation, and Results EVENT STEM Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): New Research on Design, Implementation, and Results SPONSOR SchoolsMovingUp at WestEd STAFF PARTICIPANTS Ted Britton, Rose Owens West LOCATION Free Webinar DATE/TIME February 22, 2012 @ 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) CONTACT Julie Duffield Tel: 415.615.3213 Email: jduffie@wested.org Register for the STEM Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): New Research on Design, Implementation, and Results webinar. Teacher professional learning communities (PLCs) are rapidly spreading as a major strategy in the field of professional development at large, including with STEM teachers. What makes them so effective? Evidence shows STEM teachers who participate in well-designed and run PLCs gain content knowledge and change their instructional practices in ways consistent with promoting better student learning in science and mathematics. Key issues in design and implementation of STEM PLCs include: shared goals and values, leadership support, issues of time and pacing, focus on student data and work products, collective responsibility for student achievement, good facilitation, and building trust. This webinar is especially designed for teacher leaders, professional development coaches, and directors of curriculum and instruction and based on two versions of a report from a major new study, STEM Teachers in Professional Learning Communities: A Knowledge Synthesis and STEM Teachers in Professional Learning Communities: From Good Teachers to Great Teaching. You will learn: How effective PLCs can impact teacher retention How successful PLCs influence teacher practice What makes PLCs so important for student success This event addresses a key area of work for the new Region IX Equity Assistance Center at WestEd: improving teachers' STEM content knowledge through professional development. Center director Rose Owens-West will introduce the new Equity Assistance Center and briefly familiarize participants with the Center's services. Sponsor Website >