From three experts in PLCs comes some sage advice about the meaning of Professional Learning Communities and the strategies for attaining them. It is in the latter endeavor, strategies, that these three authors make their most important contribution to the literature on school leadership. It is easy to tell you that you must establish teamwork, for instance, but much more difficult to give you real, practical suggestions for doing so. They have accomplished this in spades. A must read for all principals and aspiring school leaders.
Thomas Harvey, author of Checklist for Change;The Practical Decision Maker;Building Teams, Building People;The Politically Intelligent Leader; Resistance to Change In this era of innovation and accountability, it is critical for our educational leaders to develop expert skills in forming professional learning teams. Ultimately, this work translates into a clearer sense of mission, more effective methods of delivery in the classroom and stronger educational programs for our students.  Reviving Professional Learning Communities is the right blend of research, practice and personal experience by the authors.  A strong understanding of the four elements of Standpoint, Struggle, Solidarity, and Structure provides a great framework to move a professional team from theory to practice.  This work provides practical steps for implementation and should be an essential addition to any educator’s professional library.
Arturo Delgado, Superintendent, Los Angeles County Office of Education