Allatoona Elementary School becomes the 12th Bartow County school to be named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement!
“I was so excited,” exclaimed ALES Principal Teri Marley. “I immediately told my AP, Teresa Kraft, so we could plan a fun way to let the teachers know and celebrate.”
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.
“The first step began a few years ago when Bartow County Schools began its journey to become a Professional Learning Community,” said Principal Marley. “Since then, the teachers at Allatoona have developed a strong collaborative culture with a focus on student learning.”
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.
“We will continue to focus on student learning and getting better every day,” added Principal Marley.
ALES, Kingston Elementary School, Mission Road Elementary School, Adairsville Elementary School, Euharlee Elementary School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Pine Log Elementary School, 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.