220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis Hewson

Episode 220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis HewsonSo you may know what a PLC is—or at least think you know what a PLC is.In this episode, Meghan sits down with Kurtis Hewson, co-founder of Jigsaw Learning and co-author of Collaborative Response, to unpack what meaningful collaboration actually looks like in schools—and why so many PLCs fall short.From compliance-driven meetings to action-focused collaboration, this conversation gets into the systems schools need to move from talking about students… to actually responding to them.Why many PLCs become compliance-driven instead of impactfulThe difference between collaboration and compliance in schoolsKurtis’s Collaborative Response framework and how it differs from traditional PLC modelsThe four layers of team structures that support student successWhy schools often become reactive (“whack-a-mole”) without strong systems How to shift from “my students” to “our students”The importance of using data to drive action—not just discussionHow structured collaboration can reduce unnecessary referrals and overwhelmWhy not all meetings should happen weekly—and why that mattersWhat makes a meeting worth attending (and one teachers try to avoid)“Good leaders solve problems. Great leaders create systems to solve problems.” Kurtis breaks down three core components:Collaborative Structures & Processes → How teams actually meet and work togetherData & Evidence → Using information to inform decisionsContinuum of Supports → A clear system for how students are supportedMost schools have:PLCs (planning)Support teams (intervention)Case meetings (individual students)👉 But many are missing the collaborative team meeting layerThis is where:teachers focus on problems of practice, not just individual studentsideas are shared across classroomsteachers leave with specific actions to try immediatelyKurtis reacts to real scenarios:Reviewing data without changing instruction → FakeShared responsibility for students → RealMeetings with no outcome → FakeAdjusting instruction based on student needs → Real👉 The takeaway:If nothing changes after the meeting… it wasn’t collaboration.Start meetings with celebrations and what workedFocus on one clear problem of practice at a timeLeave every meeting with a specific action to tryUse timers and roles to keep meetings efficientShift from student stories → solution-focused thinking“We do good things—say them out loud.” Website: jigsawlearning.caResources: jigsawinsider.comPodcasts:✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔑 Inside the Collaborative Response Model🔥 The Game Changer: The Missing Layer🎲 Featured Segment: Real PLC or Fake PLC?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow💡 Key Takeaway🔗 Connect with Kurtis Hewson