• Overview
• Data Cultures
• Professional Learning Communities
• Peer Review
• Educator Evaluations
• Performance-based Compensation

Professional Learning Communities

PICCS schools use professional learning communities (PLCs) to design, implement and grow effective practices at all levels-classroom, school and network-wide. The term PLC (equivalent to what some other fields call a "community of practice") refers to a group of people who do the same or similar work, share a repertoire of resources and history, and who come together regularly in formal or informal ways to share what they know with each other. PLCs push limits, but in ways that build trust and encourage experimentation. PICCS schools form PLCs that meet regularly and are empowered to study student data, sharpen curriculum, and support each other's efforts to teach effectively so that they build a joint commitment to continuous improvement Top 10 Reasons Why PLCSs are Important Presented by Bronx Charter School for Children To celebrate student achievement To increase student achievement To share the active responsibility of our students' and our own on-going learning Because we are stronger collectively than individually To improve teaching pedagogy To push, stretch, and support our practice while maintaining professionalism To analyze data with a team and plan standards- based "next steps" To support colleagues for peer review Because learning is most productive in a social context Because bonding with colleagues makes for a healthy and happy work environment Learn more about how PLCs work at Bronx Charter School for Children >>

Watch how one teacher at The Renaissance Charter School used his PLC to develop an exciting and effective 1st grade unit on Polar Bears. PICCS partners with New York University's Metro Learning Communities to implement PLCs at participating schools. Learn more about Metro Learning Communities >>