Cass Middle School is the fourth of five Bartow County schools and second middle school to be named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement! This week, we will continue highlighting all five schools, building leaders, and their keys to academic success.
“I definitely let out a squeal of excitement!,” said CMS Principal Kristy Arnold. “I was so excited for our school, our teachers, and our students who have worked so hard. It validates we are doing the right work!”
The school’s successful implementation of PLC’s was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLC’s are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is on-going, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation.
“We began our journey three years ago by establishing our Guiding Coalition and developing teams that are committed to focusing on learning, collaborating, and using results to make instructional decisions that help all students achieve at high levels,” added Arnold.
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 then submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
“We will continue our commitment to perfecting the process and utilizing data to drive our decision making,” said Arnold. “Currently, we are exploring our grading practices to better inform students and parents of student proficiency in essential standards.”
CMS, AMS, CLES, and WES now join the Bartow County School System as they celebrate Model PLC School and Model PLC District status.