What best describes a professional learning community (PLC)?

A professional learning community (PLC) is best described as a collaborative approach to improve teaching and learning. This concept emphasizes collective responsibility among educators to foster an ongoing dialogue about instructional practices and student achievement. In a PLC, teachers engage in regular, structured discussions focused on sharing expertise, analyzing teaching strategies, and reviewing student data to enhance educational outcomes.

The success of a PLC relies heavily on collaboration and open communication, where educators work together to refine their methods and support one another. This environment encourages the sharing of successful practices, experimentation with new approaches, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Overall, a PLC focuses on building a culture of collaboration designed to improve the quality of education for students.

In contrast, other options describe scenarios that do not embody the principles of a PLC. For example, working in isolation undermines the cooperative spirit necessary for growth, while mandatory meetings without meaningful discussion or training sessions lacking follow-up do not promote ongoing professional development essential for effective teaching practices.