On April 10, 2023, Palmetto Middle School was designated as a “Model PLC at Work” school by Solution Tree. Palmetto Middle School became the fourth middle school and the sixth overall school in the state to receive this designation.
Williamston, SC 5/1/23 — Palmetto Middle School in Anderson School District One was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLCs 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. Responding to news of the recognition, Principal Jason McCauley said, “The PLC journey at Palmetto Middle School has been absolutely incredible! We truly believe that ALL of our students can and should be learning at high levels. The PLC process ensures this by keeping us at the very top of our game each and every day.” Anderson One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker added, “On behalf of our Board of Trustees and District Administration, we are very excited about Palmetto Middle being named only the fourth Model PLC middle school in the State. We are proud of the wonderful work that the staff is engaged in to ensure all students achieve at high levels.” 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. Eighth-grade ELA teachers Stephanie Bolt and Jennifer Anderson added, "The PLC process at Palmetto Middle School has opened many doors of collaboration. We have been able to coordinate experiences for students between related arts courses and also core classes. We have also been able to plan vertically with the High School teachers throughout the district, ultimately resulting in students being equipped with tools for success in college and beyond.” 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. Tools for team collaboration, articles, and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than twenty years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.