Professional Studies in Education

The primary objective of The Institute for Professional Studies Professional Learning Community Certificate is to:

1. Develop and increase teachers’ knowledge and understanding of Professional Learning Communities
2. Develop and increase teachers’ knowledge of and expertise with instructional strategies, including technology, to implement the Professional Learning Community Learning outcomes effectively
3. Design and evaluate assessments that inform their instruction of the Professional Learning Community Learning outcomes

The certificate program consists of four graduate level courses (12 credits) that are offered in a face-to-face, blended, or online format.

Content is based on the best practice research by DuFour, DuFour, and Ecker (2004) and includes:

• The foundational framework and history of PLCs
• Essential components of PLCs
• Research on PLCs
• The role of assessments
• Evaluations and grading within a PLC framework
• Analysis of various forms of assessments
• Identification and evaluation of instructional practices that lead to higher student achievement
• Designing assessments that inform practice
• Examining various school cultures
• Developing a plan to improve a school’s culture

This certificate program is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and the in TASC Standards. 

Professional Learning Community Certificate Program Curriculum

The 12-credit Professional Learning Community Certificate Program is offered in a face-to-face or online format. The Professional Learning Community (PLC) Certificate Program will consist of four, 3-credit courses with content based on the best practice research by DuFour, DuFour, and Ecker (2004).  

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EDU 735     Foundations of Professional Learning Communities

In this course, students will gain knowledge of the essential components of a Professional Learning Community (PLC).  Using acquired knowledge, students will analyze the progress of their school or district on the PLC continuum. Students will investigate ways to build a culture of collaboration that improves student learning and will be expected to continuously apply PLC tenets to their practice.

EDU 736     Assessments, Grading, and Professional Learning Communities         

In this course, students will gain knowledge of how assessment and grading are related to the fundamental purpose of ensuring high levels of learning for all students in a Professional Learning Community (PLC).  Using acquired knowledge, students will analyze the progress of their school or district on the PLC continuum in areas related to assessment and grading.  Students will investigate formative and summative assessment. In addition, students will learn how collaborative teams in a PLC work to use the results of common assessments to inform instruction and improve student achievement.

EDU 737     Teacher Leadership - Professional Learning Communities         

In this course, students will apply their knowledge of the essential components of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) in their school setting.  Using acquired knowledge, students will implement an action plan that they created in semester I.  The course will conclude with a culminating project which includes an updated action plan, a reflection paper and artifacts.

EDU 738     Professional Learning Communities in the Content Areas                               

In this course, students will apply their knowledge of the essential components of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) in their school setting with an emphasis on content.  Using acquired knowledge, students will implement an action plan that they created in semester I.  The course will conclude with a culminating project which includes an updated action plan, a reflection paper and artifacts.  Students will also explore with their PLC and Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) the four collar questions of PLCs, with an emphasis on question three, How do we respond when students don’t learn.  Students will learn and share about Response to Intervention (RtI) and how it impacts their core instruction and intervention system at the school level.

*Estimate

There is no application fee for this program. Each semester there is also a $25 registration charge and a $2 per credit fee for Canvas services.  There is a $50 graduation fee charged your last semester to cover the cost of the diploma, cover and commencement ceremony.
If you have questions about fees, contact the Cashier's Office or the Office of Admissions.  The Board of Regents reserves the right to change tuition and fees without published notice.
In addition to tuition, book costs will average $100-200 per semester.  Your facilitators will communicate required book lists throughout the semesters.  Also budget for school supplies (paper, pens, folders, etc.)

GRADUATE ADMISSION CHECKLIST 

• Maximum enrollment is limited to 40 degree seeking students.
• Your completed Application for Graduate Admission secures a seat in the program.
• Have a group of interested individuals in our program?  We will bring a Learning Community to your location.

Step One: Application to Graduate School

Complete the Application for Graduate Admission form online at https://apply.wisconsin.edu/homepage

Here is what you will choose in the application:

• Degree
• US Citizen. Yes or no
• Graduated High School
• I have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Graduate Degree
• Continue
• Choose UW-La Crosse (Save & Continue)
• Choose: Professional Learning Community Certificate *, Graduate
• Delivery: Choose Online

And then the application goes on further from here.
Once complete with the application, please watch your email for further information and to choose your specific program.

Request ALL OFFICIAL UNDERGRADUATE transcripts from ALL previous post-secondary institutions attended. This includes transfer credits even if they appear on another school transcript. If you attended UW-La Crosse, you do not need to request those transcripts. Please contact each institution individually to request your academic records. Most universities allow you to request transcripts online.

All official transcripts must be sent directly to:
Graduate Admissions Office
142 Cleary Center
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

Or by email to:
admissions@uwlax.edu

Step Two: Financial Aid - IF APPLICABLE

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.  You will be asked to insert the Federal School Code for UW-La Crosse which is: 003919

Step Three: Registering for 1st Semester Courses

Registration opens when the Learning Community (LC) is confirmed.  Once the LC is confirmed, registration materials, book lists and other information will be emailed to you a couple weeks prior to the beginning of your first weekend.
Register for your first semester courses using our WINGS system at: wings.uwlax.edu