Yale Elementary is one of approximately 600 schools and districts in the country and Canada to receive this honor by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. Model Professional Learning Communities at Work® Schools are high-performing institutions recognized for sustained collaboration, data-driven instruction, and improved student learning.
Yale’s successful implementation of the PLCs at Work® process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. “Being recognized as a Model PLC campus is incredibly meaningful for our Yale community,” says Yale Elementary Principal, Dr. Carrie Greer. “This honor reflects the collective commitment of our teachers and staff to continuously learn, collaborate, and do whatever it takes to ensure all students achieve at high levels. This recognition represents the intentional work, reflection, and growth at Yale, and it motivates us to continue strengthening our practices. We see this milestone not as an endpoint, but as momentum as we move forward in our commitment to student success.”
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.
Key Characteristics of Model PLC at Work Schools:
- Focus on Learning: Deep commitment to identifying essential student learning goals and assessing mastery.
- Collaborative Culture: Teams of educators (teachers, leaders) regularly meet to plan, share, and problem-solve using established protocols.
- Results Orientation: Continuous use of student data (formative, summative) to inform instruction and intervention, proving positive impact over time.
- Collective Responsibility: A shared belief that all students can learn and that the team is responsible for ensuring that learning happens.
- Structured Process: Defined roles, regular meeting times, and clear protocols for team discussions (e.g., the four critical PLC questions).
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..
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.
