Definition of PLCs 

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are collaborative teams that engage in ongoing processes of collective inquiry geared towards exploring and examining practices to improve student outcomes. As a part of this collective inquiry process, PLC members identify and make targeted efforts towards addressing a problem of practice/common challenge through strategic interventions that are monitored (Wellman and Garmston, 1999). As highlighted in research around PLCs (Hord, 2004), there are six key characteristics of effective PLCs, which are as follows:

1. Structural Conditions

2. Supportive Relational Conditions

3. Shared Values & Vision

4. Intentional Collective Learning

5. Peers Supporting Peers

6. Shared & Supportive Leadership

Additional WCPSS Resources: