Professional Learning Communities
Current Activity
"A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is created when a group of professionals collaborate and enquire in order to improve learner outcomes. They participate in decision making; trial and refine new strategies for improvement and are both accountable and responsible for the outcomes of their collective work. The ultimate goal of a PLC can be summed up in three words: improved learner outcomes."
(Alma Harris and Michelle Jones, 2010)
PLCs can be used as a school improvement strategy to secure higher achievement and improved attainment through teacher collaboration within, between and across schools. An effective Professional Learning Community has the capacity to promote and sustain the learning of all professionals in the school community with the collective purpose of enhancing pupil learning.
Working in partnership the swamwac Authorities are developing support materials to assist schools in the establishment of effective PLCs and the evaluation of impact.
Key Documents
A Quick Guide to using Effective PLCs as a School Improvement Strategy- PLCs - Support Materials
PLCs - Powerpoint for Headteachers to use with staff - Bilingual 
PLC Plannning Format - PLCs Day 1 - Professor Alma Harris and Michelle Jones
- Managing Change / Effective PLCs - Professor Alma Harris and Michelle Jones
Acknowledgements
swamwac wishes to thank all those who have contributed to these developments.