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Pine Log Elementary School becomes the sixth Bartow County school to be named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement! 

“When I received the Model PLC School acceptance letter, I felt like shouting,” said PLES Principal Tracey Alford. “I was ecstatic that the staff of Pine Log Elementary was going to be recognized for their hard work in carrying out our daily mission.”

The school’s successful implementation of PLC’s was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLC’s 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. 

“We received this designation through an ongoing process approach to student and adult learning,” added Alford. “I attribute our success to our staff having an open mind and embracing a culture of collaboration, data-driven instructional decisions, and ensuring all students meet proficiency on essential standards. During the past three years of implementing the PLC process, our staff has grown exponentially in understanding student learning and implementing best practices. This, in turn, has benefitted our students in all academic areas. I can’t say enough about the ‘right work’ that is taking place at PLES.”

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 then submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee. 

“The ‘right work’ will continue to take place at PLES through strengthening our collaborative process, enhancing staff knowledge of best practices in all three tiers of instruction, and ensuring that rigor is taking place in our guaranteed and viable curriculum,” said Alford. “Moving forward, we are focused on being intentional and purposeful in every area of instruction.”

PLES, Emerson Elementary School, Cass Middle School, Adairsville Middle School, Cloverleaf Elementary School, and White Elementary School now join the Bartow County School System as they celebrate Model PLC School and Model PLC District status.