Williamston, SC — Cedar Grove Elementary 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 ongoing, 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 announcement, Principal Matt White said, “We are so proud to be recognized as a Model PLC at Work by Solution Tree. Our teachers have worked incredibly hard over the last few years to improve our collaboration, teamwork, and doing the right work of a true Professional Learning Community. We learn and grow best from each other, and our continued success as a school can be directly attributed to our teachers' work for each other and with each other. Our teachers are all in on the belief that all students can and will learn at high levels. I am excited that our staff is receiving this well-deserved recognition.”
Anderson One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker added, “On behalf of our Board of Trustees and District Administration, we want to congratulate Cedar Grove Elementary for this achievement. The improvement that Cedar Grove has experienced in part due to the professional collaboration of teachers is tremendous. Ultimately, improving instruction to benefit our students is our primary goal. This award is additional proof of the Tradition of Excellence that is Anderson One.”
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 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 over twenty years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.