Pasadena ISD’s Sam Rayburn High School joins the ranks of approximately 200 schools and districts throughout the United States and Canada to be named a Model PLC School.
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:
1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation.
Vanessa Reyes, principal at Rayburn, discussed the school’s journey to receiving the recognition.
“In 2017, student performance on state assessments was at an all-time low and we knew it was time for positive change,” said Reyes. “We figured out what we needed to work on and collectively committed to our mission. Now, every faculty and staff member on our campus knows that the mission of our school is to get Texans college and career ready.”
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.
When Reyes learned that Rayburn had been selected as a Model PLC School, she felt proud.
“I have to admit, I teared up a little bit when I received the email,” said Reyes. “I know how much work everyone on our staff and campus has put into this. This was definitely a campus-wide achievement, everyone contributed.”
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.