RELMA-Measurement Instruments for Assessing the Performance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

This 72-page report, 'Measurement Instruments for Assessing the Performance of Professional Learning Communities' written by Cynthia L. Blitz and Rebecca Schulman of the Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices, is a critical resource for researchers, practitioners, and education professionals seeking to evaluate and improve professional learning communities (PLCs) in educational settings. Developed by the Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic for the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with education leaders, the report is a tool that addresses a significant gap in PLC assessment by compiling 49 measurement instruments across quantitative and qualitative domains.

Professional learning communities have been promoted for over a decade as an effective approach to teacher professional development. These collaborative teams typically meet regularly to develop lesson plans, examine student work, monitor student progress, and improve instructional practices. Despite their widespread adoption, rigorous evaluation studies of PLCs remain limited, with mixed evidence regarding their efficacy. 

The measurement instruments are categorized across three analytical levels: 

Teacher/Principal Level: focusing on beliefs, self-efficacy, school culture, and professional development outcomes  PLC Team Level: examining group dynamics, team culture, and collaborative processes School/Student Level: investigating knowledge and performance outcomes While most instruments rely on self-reported data through surveys and interviews, few utilize direct observation or systematic artifact analysis. 

The tool emphasizes the importance of tailoring measurement to specific program circumstances, recognizing that evaluation needs vary across different educational contexts. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to use the tool's methodical approach: first consulting the PLC logic model to determine information needs, then selecting appropriate instruments based on their specific planning, implementation, or evaluation goals. By providing this comprehensive compilation, the tool aims to support more rigorous and nuanced assessment of professional learning communities, ultimately contributing to improved educational practices and student achievement.