Pierce Early Childhood School Recognized As Model Professional Learning Community at Work® – Again!

For the second year in a row, Pierce Early Childhood School (ECS) has been recognized by Solution Tree as a Professional Learning Communities at Work Model School. Pierce ECS remains among the ranks of about 200 schools and districts across the US and in Canada to receive this honor, which recognizes sustained success in raising student achievement. 

“When I received the congratulations letter from Solution Tree confirming that Pierce ECS earned the National Recognition as a Model PLC campus for the 2022-2023 school year again, all I could think about was the amazing staff that lead our campus to this moment,” says Tracy Gonzales, proud Principal at Pierce ECS. “ Thank you Pierce Staff for living the PLC journey by supporting one another, our students and our families.”

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:

• Focus on learning
• Build a collaborative culture
• Create 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.

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.