Mission Road Elementary School becomes the 10th Bartow County school to be named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement!
I am very excited that my staff is being recognized for doing the RIGHT work for our MRES students,” said MRES Principal Sherrie Hughes. “They have worked countless hours to increase student achievement for all learners. I am proud that we are working to build a foundation where every student will develop the academic, creative, and social skills needed to become responsible, contributing members of the community.”
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 the PLC process more than three years ago by forming a guiding coalition of teacher leaders,” added Hughes. “This group created mission and vision statements along with collective commitments to create a shared sense of purpose. Then, MRES began to focus on the three big ideas: learning, collaboration, and results. Our teachers met twice weekly in grade level collaboration teams to choose essential standards, create common assessments, and focus on improving achievement. We worked to create a culture where teachers have common goals and are mutually accountable for all students.”
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.
“This recognition requires that we continue to see ongoing improvement in student achievement,” said Hughes. “Our staff will use collaboration time to focus on student needs based on the most current data. We will set goals with our students that allow them to feel empowered and encouraged to reach their full potential. As we perfect the PLC process, we will close learning gaps for all.”
MRES, Adairsville Elementary School, Euharlee Elementary School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Pine Log Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School, Cass Middle School, Adairsville Middle School, Cloverleaf Elementary School, and White Elementary School now join the Bartow County School System as they celebrate Model PLC School and Model PLC District status.