Date of Graduation

12-2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Curriculum and Instruction

Advisor/Mentor

Ed Bengtson

Committee Member

Kara Lasater

Second Committee Member

John Pijanowski

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of professional learning communities by comparing practices and strategies of content and grade level teams in middle schools. Utilizing data from student assessment, comparison of teams in this middle school was conducted to determine practices and conversations that have an impact on teachers’ decisions about student learning. Understanding phenomenon that drives effective decision-making processes in teams of teachers creates an environment where shared leadership produces professional learning communities that are sustainable and systemic.

A qualitative approach was conducted in the form of a case study to capture themes relevant to teachers’ thoughts about effective and ineffective team experiences. Using interviews, focus groups, and observations, themes were compared through open-coding and gathering of team minutes/notes. Triangulation of these data revealed themes relevant to creating effective teams by focusing on; curriculum, team dynamics, leadership, professional development, and personal influences that effected teachers. These themes were found to be the most impactful elements when designing and sustaining professional learning communities in this middle school setting.

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