The transformation from interdisciplinary team to professional learning community: The perspective of the middle school principal

The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of professional learning communities which are a reform effort currently in middle level education. The researcher used an electronic survey to gather data to examine the extent to which a transformation from the traditional interdisciplinary team to a professional learning community was occurring. The Western Region of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association provided assistance in identifying a sample and accessing participants.The researcher developed five research questions that guided the study. Research questions were designed to assist in determining what role the principal assumed in guiding and supporting the team within the building and how the principal functioned as a member of the team. Also, the research questions were designed to aid in determining what activities teams were presently engaged in and how those activities related to professional learning and an atmosphere of collegiality.The results of the study demonstrated that a transformation was occurring as traditional interdisciplinary teams were operating within the context of professional learning communities. Furthermore, the results indicated the principal plays a vital role in supporting and nurturing this transformation and the principal's actions correlate with the success or failure of a professional learning community. Principal support is needed in providing time for the community to meet, assisting the community in maintaining a focus on student achievement, remaining dedicated to the professional learning community therefore working to support their needs as the community develops.These results support the need to further examine the role of professional learning communities in middle level education. Middle schools which currently contain interdisciplinary teams provide a natural setting in which to begin a professional learning community because the staff structure and teaming mentality already exist. However, further research would aid in determining the essential steps required to make the transformation from interdisciplinary team to professional learning community. This study suggests the transformation is possible given the proper support.