Grant Elementary School recognized as a model Professional Learning Community At Work®

Grant Elementary in Wisconsin Rapids was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. 

 

WISCONSIN RAPIDS –  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. 

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to: 

• Focus on learning. 

• Build a collaborative culture. 

• Foster a focus on achieving results.

Responding to news of the recognition, Principal Nicole Calteux said, “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make Grant Elementary such a special place to learn and grow. Our staff has embraced the PLC process with a deep commitment to one another and, most importantly, to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn at high levels. Our students continue to inspire us with their hard work, growth and determination, and our families are invaluable partners in that journey. We are incredibly proud of the collaborative culture we have built at Grant and we are grateful for a community that believes in what is possible when we work together.” 

“This national recognition shows the hard work, passion, and collaborative spirit of the Grant Elementary staff,” WRPS Superintendent Ronald Rasmussen added. “They have proven that when our educators work together with a shared commitment to student learning and growth, extraordinary results follow. We are immensely proud of Grant Elementary for leading the way!” 

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 25 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.