One of About 200 Schools and Districts in the US and Canada to Receive This Honor! ‘Read more for the statement issued through the CSD.
(Clinton, Iowa, July 15, 2016)— Whittier Elementary School has been recognized by National Education Publisher @Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. In 2015, Whittier Elementary School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for high academic achievement. 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.
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.
Responding to news of the recognition, Principal Brian Kenney said, “We are honored and feel we are on the right track to continuous improvement so that we can ensure all of our students learn and achieve at a high level.”
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.
Earlier this year, the Clinton Community School District was afforded a similar recognition as a district. Whittier Elementary is the first school in Clinton and in the surrounding area that has achieved this high recognition. Superintendent Deb Olson stated about this award for Whittier, “Being a PLC at work School takes on the dedication of not only the staff and principal, but the students and their families. Whittier, like the other Clinton district schools, is known for educating children at extremely high levels. The future of Clinton students is bright and highlighted by this significant achievement attained by Whittier Elementary School.”
