Day #19 Mr. Jon Bernard, North Reading High School Principal

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Hood School’s Learn365 Blog.  Today, I learned about the power of a professional learning community in a school.  Fourteen members of the North Reading High School faculty, including the two administrators, have joined together to read and discuss a book, the title of which is On Common Ground.  This book discusses the power that a professional learning community can have in transforming teaching and learning in a school.  Those who ascribe to the principles of a professional learning community strive to ensure that all students learn at high levels.  Central to this is working together as a school community to clarify key questions such as (1) What is it we want all students to learn? (2) How will we know when each student has mastered the essential learning?  (3)  How will we respond when a student experiences initial difficulty in learning?  (4) How will we deepen the learning for students who have already mastered essential knowledge and skills?  Our faculty book discussion group has been meeting this fall once every two weeks before school to do discuss On Common Ground.  The group continues to be inspired by the theme of the book and looks forward to continuing our work to make North Reading High School the very best that it can be and ensuring that all students achieve at their highest level.