Professional Learning Communities

Professional Learning Community Model School
Northeast Elementary
Model School Badge

Professional Learning Community (PLC)

What is PLC?

PLC is an ongoing process in which educators work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve.  PLCs operate under the assumption that the key to improved learning for students is continuous job-embedded learning for educators.  DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., and Many, T. (2006).  Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work, pp. 2-4.  

PLCs are structured with the following "big ideas":
  • Ensuring that students learn
  • A culture of collaboration
  • A focus on results
Commitment to Continuous Improvement

As members of a PLC, we realize that all of our efforts in these areas must be assessed on the basis of results, rather than intentions.  We commit to engage in systemic processes where each member of the organization participates in an ongoing cycle of:
  • Gathering evidence of current levels of student learning.
  • Developing strategies and ideas to build on strengths and address weaknesses in that learning.
  • Implementing those strategies and ideas.
  • Analyzing the impact of the changes to discover what was effective and what was not.
  • Applying new knowledge in the next cycle of continuous improvement.
Model School Status

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.  We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”

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.  This has been exciting work for our staff and powerful to see the results both evidenced in our students through building level assessments as well as state assessments.  It is our mission to ensure ALL of our students acquire the knowledge and skills essential to achieving their full potential and becoming productive citizens.  How we function as a PLC allows us to tailor instruction and better meet the needs of all Northeast students.