The opportunity to engage in a variety of protocols is a hallmark of your journey to becoming an authentic Professional Learning Community PLC.
Think of protocols as the gears on a bike. When your journey takes you down a well-worn path, you downshift gears to accommodate an easier terrain. In a PLC, a protocol, which would facilitate this type of deliberate conversation, may include a Tuning Protocol to review a lesson plan with friendly critics. As we encounter obstacles on our PLC odyssey, we shift into high gear with the support of protocols. These structured conversations encourage teams to take risks in their own understanding, to construct new practices…and, if you stumble along the way, to try again.
What is astounding is the roads PLCs travel with protocols mirrors the work educators ask students to do to understand their learning. Protocols support educators to delve deeper into looking at student work and teacher practice and is a powerful vehicle for professional learning.
Protocols can be lengthened or shortened to fit the allotted time but all steps must be followed for it to be effective. Every member of the team has an opportunity to be the facilitator of a protocol over the course of the year.
Impromptu teams benefit from protocols by bringing together teams which have not worked together before to problem solve, brainstorm new ideas and to address challenges with improving student learning and teaching practices. McDonald, staffers at the Coalition of Essential Schools, at the time.
