Kingston Elementary School becomes the 11th Bartow County school to be named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement!
“I was thrilled to receive notification that our application had been approved and we could officially be recognized as a Model PLC School,” said KES Principal Allison LaRue. “We had all been waiting (not so) patiently to hear, and we are so excited to celebrate the great work that is happening every day at KES.”
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.
“Our teachers have been working to implement and then perfect the PLC process in our building since it was introduced by Dr. Page in 2018,” added LaRue. “It has been a journey where we have shifted our focus from teaching to learning, embraced a collaborative culture, and intentionally focused on results. Our school guiding coalition has been instrumental in receiving and delivering professional development to support and help sustain the process. I joined the KES staff in 2020 and have been amazed at the knowledge of all staff members and how committed they all are to doing the ‘right work.’
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.
“Moving forward, we will continue to meet the needs of our students through the PLC process and maintain our collaborative culture,” said LaRue. “When the ‘right work’ is happening, the results follow. We are all excited for the growth our students have experienced and will continue to experience in the future.”
KES, Mission Road Elementary School, 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.