* Josie explains the value of small professional learning communities, and why they've been created as a variation of IDRA's Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program.
* Juanita discusses the importance of a personalized learning experience for each tutor.
* Josie talks about a key takeaway from the 1989 Dallas Dropout Study that remains in full force today: "If you have one person, one adult, who's almost irrationally committed to the success of the child, that child will succeed."
* Juanita explains the impact of professional learning communities on the teachers themselves.
* Josie talks about the professional learning and mentoring team's weekly meetings and how guided reflection sessions are benefiting the tutors.
* Josie explains why the professional learning communities need support at the administrative level. She also discusses the value of the program's four annual retreats.
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© Intercultural Development Research Association · 5815 Callaghan Road, Suite 101 · San Antonio,Texas 78228
(November 26, 2007) A growing body of research has found that professional learning communities in schools, combined with mentoring, result in clear improvements in outcomes for staff and students. 
advocated for and championed three students who needed 
an educator in their lives who believes in them and their capacity for learning and success. The results were seen in a transformation of adults and improved student achievement. Send comments to