Wren Elementary 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.
Wren Elementary School is the 3rd elementary school in Anderson One to receive this designation.
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.
“The teachers and staff at Wren Elementary are dedicated to the students and spend quality time collaborating to ensure that every child receives what they need to grow academically,” said Principal Delaney Sutton in response to the recognition. “Mr. Vaughn and I are thankful for their commitment to every student.”
Anderson One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker added, “On behalf of our Board of Trustees and District Administration, we are very proud of Wren Elementary for this achievement. The faculty at Wren Elementary does an extraordinary job collaborating to ensure that all of their students learn at high levels. Wren Elementary is an excellent example of the powerful impact of a Professional Learning Community.”
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.
