Solution Tree has named Sonora Middle School as an internationally recognized Model Professional Learning Community at Work School for its sustained success in raising student achievement.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Model PLC School,” said Chelsea Jennings, Sonora Middle School principal. “This certification affirms the years of intentional work our staff has put into creating a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility and high levels of learning for all.”
The school’s successful implementation of the PLC at Work process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students, according to a Solution Tree press release. Solution Tree is a professional development company and publisher of educational material for K–12 educators.
“It’s not just a title—it’s evidence that what we believe in and practice every day is making a difference for kids,” Jennings said. “Our team has grown tremendously, and this designation is a moment to celebrate that growth together.”
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.
“To receive the designation, we have to show three consecutive years of achievement growth, in addition to evidence of sustainable PLC and RTI systems,” Jennings said.
The school and district go deep to identify the learning needs for every student through the PLC process, said Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Schools superintendent.
“Every child gets a personalized education,” he said.
Schools are recognized by Solution Tree based on strict criteria, including a demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period, according to the press release. 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.
Sonora Middle School has a culture that’s committed to learning at high levels, said Brandon Jones, Solution Tree associate PLC cohort coach.
“You are by every definition an elite school for your families,” he told the Sonora staff at a May 14 celebration of the school’s achievement.
All 31 Springdale schools participate in the Professional Learning Community process.
Sonora is one of 171 middle schools globally to earn the Model PLC at Work designation, Jones said, noting there are 99,000 public schools in the United States alone.
Cleveland said he’s impressed with the work Sonora and its staff have done to become a Model PLC at Work School.
“You’re an example to all of us,” he said.