This study built a small learning community of teachers for the benefit of staff and students. In particular, it addressed the research question: Using Excellence in Writing (Webster, 1998), in what ways can a group of teachers work together to improve student literacy at Cedar Hill Middle School? A small group of teachers assembled bi-weekly as a research team to implement a new writing program at Cedar Hill. The research investigation used qualitative research methods including reflective journals, research meetings, interviews, and focus groups. The salient findings were that the writing program had definite strengths for students and teachers and that professional learning communities would be the best method for initiating change for improving student literacy. Conclusions and recommendations were drawn regarding promoting the concept of learning communities as well as improving student literacy through the implementation of a specific writing program.
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