Principal’s Corner by Diane Schultz

Together, we’re making a difference in the life of every student.

Many of you have seen or heard about PLC time at all of our schools on Wednesday mornings. However, you may be unclear as to what that means. Here is some insight.

PLC stands for professional learning community. PLCs are an organizational strategy that creates opportunities for our staff to collaborate and ensure the time is focused on student learning. During the PLC time our staff is working together to match the best teaching strategies for each child.

Our PLCs are built upon four fundamental questions:

What do students need to know and be able to do?

How do we know they are learning?

What do we do when they are not learning?

What do we do when they already know it?

The PLC time provides teachers the ability to identify student needs, apply different strategies for support, and continually monitor progress.

The goal is to assist students along the way to ensure mastery, rather than the traditional style of waiting until the end to measure results.

Collaboration occurs for all students, whether struggling or excelling.

Administration and teachers work together to:

Share knowledge and teaching strategies

Bring out the best in all students

Give students the best of the best

Ensure that all students are successful

Encourage each other to achieve more professionally

Increase student successes

Look at data to make instructional decisions

If you have any questions regarding this work, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the building administrator.

Dian Schultz in the principal at Sibley Elementary School.