Desert View Elementary School was recently recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement by Solution Tree.
The Hermiston school is one of about 200 schools and districts in the United States and Canada to receive the distinction.
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.
“We are humbled and thankful for this recognition,” said DVES Principal Mr. Michael Roberts. “This achievement would not have been possible without the wonderfully hard working students and parents that make up the DV Coyote Family, as well as the unwavering support from the district offices. My staff members have committed to improve their practice every day, by drawing on each other’s strength, experience and enthusiasm. It is only through this interconnectivity that we are able to provide the best learning opportunities possible for our students.”
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 key ideas of a PLC call upon educators to focus on learning, build a collaborative culture, and create a results orientation.
To be identified as a “model” PLC, schools must demonstrate a commitment to PLC concepts, implement those concepts for at least three years, and provide clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture within an application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
“Desert View Elementary School is the first school in Oregon to receive this recognition and be named a “model” PLC,” said Superintendent of School Dr. Fred Maiocco. “I’m extremely proud of the school’s commitment and work in implementing the key tenets of professional learning communities.”
According to Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Mike Mattos, architects 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.”
