Mission, Texas- Alton Elementary School has been recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement and successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work. Alton Elementary is one of about 200 schools and districts in the United States and Canada to receive the honor.
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. It consists of three main ideas: focus on learning; building a collaborative culture; creating a results orientation.
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.
Responding to news of the recognition, Principal Araceli Escalona said, “I am humbly honored to be a part of a learning community that continually improves its practices for the success of all students.”
According to Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Mike Mattos, champions of PLC at Work, educators in the schools 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 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.
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