This study is an exploration of leadership practices that develop and sustain a professional learning community (PLC). More specifically, it explores teacher perceptions of these leadership practices in the context of a school district in Alberta, Canada. The study employed qualitative research in the form of interviews of sixteen teachers from one school district. Findings include description of teacher perceptions of leadership practices as they relate to shared and supportive leadership, shared values and vision, collective learning, supportive conditions, and shared personal practice. It is necessary to recognize the interrelated nature of structural supports along with cultural underpinnings to fully develop and sustain PLCs. Moreover, the findings highlight the influence of structures in supporting dimensions of collective learning and shared personal practice. The need for careful consideration of the power of school culture over the effective use of any structure is evident. Leaders’ continuous modelling and involvement are imperative to develop teacher capacity to embrace shared and supportive leadership, shared values and vision, collective learning, supportive conditions, and shared personal practice. Furthermore, the building of trust and celebration of teacher and student learning moulds a schools’ culture to one that reflects success in the various PLC dimensions. The study concludes by suggesting possible areas for further research in addition to demarcating suggestions for continued reflection within the field of leadership as it relates to developing and sustaining PLCs. / ix, 147 leaves ; 29 cm.

This study focuses on the nature of university instructors' beliefs and attitudes toward gay and lesbian content in the university Gender course curriculum. It was intended to provide a better understanding of factors such as academic freedom, societal influences, personal opinions, curriculum, and institutional influences that might affect attitudes and thus undermine the inclusion of discussion about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues. Participants in the study were seven instructors from the faculties of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Applied Psychology, and Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge, in the province of Alberta, Canada. The study revealed that although there was only a slight diversity of beliefs and attitudes about the topic among the participants, a majority of them felt positively toward inclusion of information in the university curricula. the positive attitudes were expressed as a willingness to teach about the subject matter, and a belief that LGBT content should be integrated throughout the general curriculum. The implications and the challenges of incorporating LGBT issues into the curriculum were also discussed. Participants discuss that LGBT issues are not adequately represented in the curriculum, that there is a need for more public awareness and education about homosexuality, a need for greater inclusion of gay and lesbian issues in university programs, a desire for less marginalization of the LGBT topic, and a vow to provide more respect for LGBT persons. / ix, 173 leaves ; 29 cm.