(New Glarus, WI)—New Glarus Middle School was recently recognized by Solution Tree as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) School for its sustained success in raising student achievement. Only about 500 schools and districts in the US and Canada receive this honor.
PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
- Focus on learning
- Build a collaborative culture
- Create a results orientation
Responding to news of the recognition, Dr. Thayer, District Administrator, said, “We are honored to receive this award. It reflects the hard work staff has put in over the past few years to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps by using the PLC process.”
Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”
Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools.