The July 2012 NASSP Principal's Research Review, written by Education Northwest's Rhonda Barton and Jennifer Stepanek, examines what it takes for professional learning communities (PLCs) to impact educational outcomes. In addition to a review of the research, the brief looks at the new trend of PLCs connecting online, and describes one district's success with PLCs improving student achievement. The writers conclude, "Instructional decisions, informed by the data and experience of many team members rather than a sole practitioner's, stand a greater chance of meeting the diverse needs of all students."

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