Professional Development
LINCS
Learning Intensive Networking Communities for Success
LINCS is a professional development process which builds a foundation for whole-school implementation of quality professional development. The school-based professional learning communities serve to address the needs of a school, its teachers, and their students. The process allows for continued growth in content knowledge and instructional practices, integration of state initiatives, and emphasis on improving student performance. LINCS serves as a catalyst for effective implementation of multiple professional development programs.
BENEFITS
•Aligns with School Improvement Plan Process
•Integrates Current State Reform Initiatives (e.g., Reading First, High School Redesign, Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum, Louisiana Literacy Plan, Teacher Advancement Program).
•Implements Louisiana Components of Effective Professional Development
•Provides School-Based High Quality Professional Development Applicable to Re-licensure and Highly Qualified Requirements
•Offers Opportunities for Integrating Professional Development Funds
ELIGIBILITY
•Capacity, structure, and commitment to faithfully implement the LINCS Process
•School-based Instructional Coach provided from funds other than LINCS
•Participation in Making Middle Grades Work or High Schools That Work, research-based school-improvement initiatives, if middle or high school
PROGRAM DESIGN
LINCS is comprised of a number of support structures intended to generate a school culture and community of learners capable of independently continuing a given school’s upward growth:
•Regional Coordinators
•Faculty Study Groups
•School-Based Coaches
•University Professional Development Projects
SUSTAINABILITY
If implemented with fidelity, LINCS leads schools toward improved student performance. Teachers participate in self-supporting professional learning communities, engage in professional dialogue, and have high expectations for themselves and their students. Overall, the analysis of longitudinal data form 2000-2007 indicate that the LINCS infrastrustructure is most effective when implemented for 4 or more years. Therefore, LINCS schools work to establish a self-sustaining, collaborative school culture built on a solid infrastructure.
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