Conclusions

As noted, the usability, reliability, and validity tests have been completed, and the instrument appears to meet the expected criteria. To summarize, the tests for reliability and validity have been satisfactorily met. After testing of the instrument it was concluded that, overall, it appears that the 17-item instrument is very useful as a screening, filtering, or measuring device to assess the maturity of a school's professional staff as a learning community.

The instrument testing has been expanded to a national field test — that is, it is being utilized by individuals across the nation. From these individuals, school staff responses are being collected and analyses conducted to enhance and strengthen the database. After the current national field testing, the instrument is expected to be available for dissemination and widespread use by educators and others as a diagnostic or assessment tool that can support the nurture and development of professional learning communities, and subsequently, school staffs' collegial work for continuous school improvement.

References

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• Hord, S.M. (1997). Professional learning communities: Communities of continuous inquiry and improvement. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.
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• The Evaluation Center. (1998). FY 97 Report : External evaluation of the Appalachia Educational Laboratory. Kalamazoo, MI: Western Michigan University.

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