Information on the Professsional Learning Communities can be found at www.solution-tree.org.  FEEF's goal is to help implement the components of a professional learning community in the Fairhope public school system by sending administrators and faculty to PLC Institutes for training and by providing resources -- books, DVDs, speakers -- on the subject for each school.

Many of the best high schools in America achieved their status by becoming a Professional Learning Community. Statistical data supports the before/after success of the schools that adopted the PLC model.

The PLC model cultivates a change in the entire school culture and is considered a process not a program. Tutoring, professional development, high expectations for students, structured discipline plan, community involvement, and coordination of curriculum are all components of a Professional Learning Community.

According to one of the books about PLC, Whatever It Takes, the three key ideas that drive a PLC are:

1. Clarity of purpose – ensure high levels of learning for all students.

2.  Collaborative school culture – schools improve when teachers are given time and support to work together.

3.  Focus on results – measure effectiveness on the basis of results rather than intentions.

In the 2005-2006 school year, administrators and faculty attended a book study on Whatever It Takes; FEEF purchased this book for 50 administrators and faculty; and FEEF also provided each school library with books Professional Learning Communities at Work and SMART Goals as well as a DVD, "Passion and Persistence."  In June and September 2006, FEEF sent 20 administrators and faculty to a PLC Institute. FEEF sent an additional 18 administrators and faculty to a PLC Institute in June 2007.