FAQ For Sweet Home Administrators PLC Wiki

Why would administrators want to use a wiki?

Wiki's are a forum for sharing information and collaborating. The basic concept is that users add to and comment on the information that is posted, allowing the community to construct meaning with the ideas. A wiki is a web site that all users can edit and add to - it's a virtual medium for sharing, collaborating, and thinking.

Who has access to this wiki?

Technically, anyone in the Internet space has access, but logically only those users who have been invited to participate in the wiki, or who have an interest in it's content will use it. Administrators from four Western New York suburban school districts - Clarence Central Schools, Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District, Sweet Home Central Schools, and Williamsville Central Schools will use the wiki to collaborate.

What is a professional learning community?

Professional learning communities are built around three big ideas. The first big idea is that the core mission of formal education is not simply to ensure that students are taught but to ensure that they learn. PLC's shift the traditional focus of school, which is on teaching, to a focus on student learning. The second big idea is that collaboration is critical to improvement. Teachers work in teams, engaging in an ongoing cycle of questions that promote deep team learning - which in turn leads to higher levels of student achievement. The third big idea is that PLC’s judge their effectiveness on the basis of results. The results-oriented PLC not only welcomes data but also turns data into useful and relevant information for staff.

What can administrators add to the wiki?

Administrators are encourage to either: 1) add a new wiki page with an idea or concept that relates to, challenges, or adds to the information that is posted; 2) comment on the information that is posted; or 3) edit an existing wiki page to add perspective.

Is anyone editing the stuff that gets posted?

Yes. The Superintendent of the Sweet Home Central School District, Geoff Hicks, created the wiki and serves as the administrator.

Where can I get help with how to format a wiki page?

PBWiki has a style page with tips about formatting wiki pages. Click the link http://yummy.pbwiki.com/WikiStyle to view the style page.