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NSTA's Professional Learning Communities for Science Teaching Inspires New Contributions to Transform Science Education

Posted on: Monday, 6 April 2009, 09:00 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va., April 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Professional Learning Communities for Science Teaching, Lessons From Research and Practice begins with the simple argument that in a PLC environment, teachers strengthen their skills and thus improve student learning. The seven stories that follow detail successful approaches to developing PLCs -- from one school taking the initiative to create its own collaborative environment to a network of 500 schools doing the same -- that will inspire teachers and administrators to move their schools and districts closer to a culture that supports PLCs.

Chapters recount the origins of schools as professional learning communities, define the characteristics of PLCs, and review research on the subject. Each chapter ends with reflection questions that expand on the themes identified and encourage educators to relate their learning to the chapter's specific story. An appendix provides additional resources about developing PLCs.

About the Authors

Susan Mundry is associate director of mathematics, science, and technology and deputy director of learning innovations at WestEd, where she oversees several technical assistance, research, and evaluation projects.

Katherine E. Stiles is senior program associate in the mathematics, science, and technology program at WestEd. She is also a principal.

You can browse sample pages of this new book free at the NSTA Science Store website at www.nsta.org/store.

For additional information or to purchase Professional Learning Communities for Science Teaching: Lessons From Research and Practice and other books from NSTA Press, visit the NSTA Science Store at www.nsta.org/store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays. Outside the United States and Canada, call 301-638-0200. The 161-page book is priced at $22.95 and discount-priced for NSTA members at $18.36. (Stock # PB239X, ISBN # 978-1-935155-00-3)

The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Press produces 15-25 new books each year. Focused on the PreK-college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.

SOURCE National Science Teachers Association

Source: PR Newswire

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