Discover the Difference: Professional Learning Communities at Work

December 19, 2022

Recently, Holy Trinity Catholic School was recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. PLCs are schools where educators acknowledge that the key to improved student learning is ongoing, job-embedded education for the adults serving those students. Schools that employ use of PLCs "empower educators to work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve," (Solution Tree, 2022). 

For more than 20 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed through implementing the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process. Holy Trinity is the first and only school in Des Moines to receive this honor. In addition, only one in approximately 200 schools and districts throughout the US and Canada receives this recognition.

Schools are selected based on strict criteria, including demonstrating a commitment to PLC concepts, implementing these concepts for at least three years, and providing clear evidence of improved student learning. 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 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."

"This prestigious designation is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Holy Trinity leadership and faculty to ensure student growth, said Donna Bishop, Superintendent of Schools. "We are blessed to have Holy Trinity Catholic School in our diocese. It is truly an exemplar of academic excellence and commitment to student success."

For more than 100 years, Holy Trinity Catholic School has provided a safe, nurturing, faith-filled education for students in preschool through 8th grade that focuses on the total student -- academically, artistically, physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. Holy Trinity Catholic School holds Blue Ribbon designation and is fully accredited in Iowa.

The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools that serve more than 6,300 students across central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide students with innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation. To learn more about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools or email grow@dmdiocese.org.

Source:

https://www.solutiontree.com/plc-at-work/why-plc-at-work