The role of schools is student learning. A significant factor in determining whether students learn well is the ability and quality of teachers. Quality is improved through continuous professional development. The most conducive framework for professionals to learn is that of professional learning communities (PLCs) (Hord, 2009). Training the PLC is a process that aims to focus on student outcomes, while at the same time empowering teachers with the skills needed to make a difference. PLC supports the partnership between student learning and educator professional development. A PLC aligned with the school's mission, vision, values ​​and goals results in high levels of learning for all students. A PLC can be defined as an intentional, ongoing, and systematic process through which teachers and administrators work collaboratively to seek, share, and act on learning. The overall goal is to improve effectiveness as professionals for the benefit of students (Hord, 1997). The PLC begins with a clear statement of intent and objectives. Focusing on student learning goals allows leaders to set high expectations and establish rigorous standards (Guskey, 2000). Schools cannot function as a PLC until staff have grappled with questions that provide direction for both the school as an organization and the individuals within the organization (Eaker, DuFour, & DuFour, 2002). There are several organizational structures that work simultaneously to form a successful PLC. One part of the structure is setting up the PLC structure. The framework can be modeled on the Three Big Ideas of PLC. Richard DuFour and Rebecca DuFour explain the three ideas as follows:1. Commitment to high levels of learning for all students2. A collaborative and collective effort between st...... middle of paper ......arning communities. Bloomington, IN: National Education Service.Guskey, T. R. (2000). Evaluate professional development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.Hord, S. (1997). Professional learning communities: what are they and why do they matter? Southwestern Educational Development Workshop, 6(1). Retrieved November 11, 2011, from http://www.sedl.org/change/issues/issues61.htmlHord, S. M. (2009). Professional learning community. The Journal of the National Staff Development Council, 30(1), 40-43.Killion, J. (2003). Eight Smooth Steps: Solid footwork makes evaluating staff development programs a breeze. The Journal of the National Staff Development Council, 24(4), 14-23.Rantz, L. (2011, November 9). Using survey data to implement PLC. Lecture presented at Baker University's Developing Professional Learning Communities, Overland Park, KS.