Palmetto High School recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work

Williamston, SC  — Palmetto High 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 Robby Roach said, “Recognition as a Model PLC at Work School is the culmination of tremendous professional growth of the staff at Palmetto High School. It validates the consistent efforts of improvement in student learning that has been a priority in our classrooms for many years.”

Anderson One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker added, “Anderson One is proud to congratulate Palmetto High School as a Model PLC school. Palmetto High School is the first high school in Anderson One to receive this recognition. Like the faculty and administration, the Board of Trustees and I are extremely proud of the growth and achievement that Palmetto students have demonstrated over the past three years. Continuous improvement is the primary goal at Palmetto High School which is embodied in the school's motto Striving Ever Upward. Congratulations Mustangs!”

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.