The Bartow County School System has been named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement; it’s news that made Bartow County staff members erupt in deafening cheers this summer!
“This is the highest honor our school system can receive, and I was proud to announce the recognition at our recent System Guiding Coalition Workshop and school board meeting,” said Superintendent Dr. Phillip Page. “We are only the second system in the state of Georgia to be recognized by Solution Tree as a Model PLC and 26th system nationwide to receive this prestigious honor. This award is truly the result of a collaborative investment between faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members.”
The successful implementation of the PLC process in 2018 was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of Bartow County students and subsequent award.
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.
Districts 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 district must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
“On behalf of the Evidence of Effectiveness Review Committee, I am pleased to inform you that Bartow County Schools meets the criteria of a Model Professional Learning Community at Work,” said Windsor Central School District Superintendent Jason Andrews. “What impressed us the most is the steady progress with districtwide student achievement data in both with graduation rates, particularly among students with disabilities. Additionally, the comprehensive resources including the PLC Playbook is impressive. The mindful efforts in working collaboratively, taking collective responsibility, and monitoring student progress was evident throughout your application.”
Recognized model PLC schools and districts are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools.
“From ensuring our teachers have dedicated collaboration time to collective teacher efficacy to ongoing professional development, our system is working incredibly hard to make this amazing culture shift that will ultimately help ALL children achieve at high levels,” added Deputy Superintendent Dr. David Chiprany. “It’s a process to perfect, not a program to complete, and we are just getting started!”