Athrofa PL Partnership Collaborative networks of professional learning (focus groups) ‘Effective collaboration strategies within and across schools offer a broader range of professional learning experiences that enrich practice, leading to improved pupil outcomes’ Evaluations Various models Positive outcomes Levels of engagement Methods of selection Overlap & duplication Commonality of schools All staff & governors University involvement Focus groups Professional dialogue Impact on standards Build teacher agency Positive school culture Open mindset SLO model Competition & rivalry Accountability What are the strengths and weaknesses of clusters and networks as environments for PL in Wales, and how can schools maximise the impact of collaborative working? School leaders Athrofa PL Partnership Challenge Advisors Collaborative PL? ‘Collaborative PL is a form of self-evaluation and helps to support your needs as well as giving support to others.’ ‘With the perpetual changes in education and society, teaching and learning needs to be refined constantly – leaders and teachers need to see best practice in real terms, warts and all.’ ‘Collaboration enhances professional dialogue, improves confidence and allows staff to build trust with one another.’