Developing Learning Communities Through Teacher Expertise

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Learning Communities What Are Learning Communities? Why Are They Important? What Do Learning Communities Do? What do They Require to Function? What Gets in the Way of the Development of Learning Communities? What Can We Do to Support Learning Communities? Possible Questions for the Reader Recommended Books on Learning Communities 2. Standards-Based Curriculum and Assessment Design What Does It Take to Develop a Standards-Based, Learner-Centered Unit? How Do We Help Teachers Develop High-Quality Standards-Based Units? Possible Questions for the Reader Recommended Books on Standards-Based Curriculum and Assessment Design 3. Data-Driven Inquiry and Action Research Three Examples of Inquiry How Can Schools Support Individual, Collaborative, and School-Based Research? Possible Questions for the Reader Recommended Books on Action Research and Use of Data 4. Professional Portfolios What Do Professional Portfolios Include? Understanding and Use of Standards-Based and Learner-Centered Curriculum and Assessment Use of Reflection and Data to Improve One's Practice How Are Professional Portfolios Organized? How Can Schools Begin to Support the Development and Use of Professional Portfolios? Possible Questions for the Reader Recommended Books on Portfolios 5. Developing an Action Plan Identification of Internal Expertise Assessment of Needs Brokering of Relationships Among Teachers Curriculum and Assessment Design Work Inquiry and Analysis Work Professional Portfolio Work Appendix A: Description of CSETL and Its Mission Appendix B: Unit Design Template Appendix C: Application to Become a CSETL Fellow Appendix D: Professional Portfolio Rubric References Index