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Welcome to the Teaching and Learning web site. This office is staffed by the Assistant Superintendent of Learning, Dave Harwell, and his assistant, Barb Terpstra. Whether you are a parent or a staff member, we hope that you will find the information you need here. If you can't find what you're looking for, please give us a call at (616) 494-2040. Happy Browsing!
PLC – Professional Learning Communities Summit Conference:
Several members of HPS attended the PLC Summit Conference in Dearborn on September 25 and 26: Dave Harwell, Bill Trujillo, Rhonda Klomparens, Mary-Jo Kooiker, Jay Woods, Dan Telgenhof, Megan Wilson, and Brian Burch.
During our two days of attending the conference we were able to peel back the layers of school improvement plans and initiatives and discover what lies at the core of so many successful schools today. We examined the powerful strategies and practices of PLCs. We were also able to learn from the best, most experienced PLC visionaries and practitioners in the country.
Richard DuFour was able to shed light on the hard facts of school improvement and the dangers of distorting them into half-truths that support the status quo.
Rebecca DuFour investigated the “Big Ideas” that drive a PLC and offered practical strategies for bringing those ideas to life.
Michael Fullan focused on leadership and the six secrets of successful change gleaned from his work on achieving large-scale reform in school districts and statewide.
Tom Many revealed the “Learning by Doing” culture leaders must create as agents of change.
Anthony Muhammad focused on powerful academic and behavioral intervention strategies for students who are at risk.
Douglas Reeves presented hard-hitting, compelling new evidence and insightful analysis to help leaders at every level maximize their impact on student achievement.
