The purpose of this study is to get the policy implications for the school
innovation in Korea through exploring the professional learning
community(hereafter referred to as "PLC”). For this purpose, first, the theory of
professional learning community, especially the definition and characteristics, was
examined. Secondly, the 3 successful professional learning community cases,
Northland Elementary School, Shoreline Elementary School, Boones Elementary
School were analyzed.
The main findings of this study are as follows: First, the administrators
including principal need to support the development of self-leadership of the
people in school through the distributed leadership and empowerment. Secondly,
the culture of collaborative inquiry and learning need to be nurtured through the
collegial relationship among the people in school. Thirdly, the successful PLC
needs to be provided with the sufficient time, space, money and effective
communication system. Fouthly, the teachers need to open their classrooms and
educational activities frequently and autonomously. The monitoring and feedback
system on the process and results of the school innovation is also needed. Finally,
the liaison between the school system and the local communities needs to be
consolidated