Learning communities are best defined as "ongoing groups who meet regularly for the purposes of increasing their own learning and that of their students." Although learning communities vary in form and context, they share some fundamental core beliefs and values. Based on the idea that educators can learn from each other, learning communities…

Describes the philosophy supporting the model, the program objectives, activities, staffing and governance, and evaluation of a field-based program for professional development. The article suggests the implications for staff development and strategies for implementing the model. (GLR)