Concrete Primary 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 Sherry Padgett said, “We are
incredibly proud to be named a Model PLC school! This recognition is a testament to
the hard work and continued efforts of our entire faculty and staff. The journey to
becoming a Professional Learning Community requires everyone to collaborate in order
to improve student learning. We are very excited for our students as they are our reason
for this work.”
Anderson One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker added, “On behalf of our Board of
Trustees and District Administration, we are very proud of Concrete Primary for this
achievement. Teachers working in collaborative teams is a powerful tool to ensure that
students learn at high levels. This approach encourages teachers to help each other
and their students to reach their full potential.”
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 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.