CAIRO, NY — Cairo-Durham Elementary School has been recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® School by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. Approximately one in 600 schools and districts across the United States and Canada receive this distinction.
The recognition highlights Cairo-Durham Elementary’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process, which has played a major role in improving student achievement.
Professional Learning Communities 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 PLC process centers around three big ideas:
A focus on learning
A collaborative culture
A results orientation
Principal Christopher Stein said the recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of the entire school community.
“I am incredibly proud to serve as the leader of a Model PLC School. The teachers and staff at Cairo-Durham Elementary have worked diligently to maintain a strong focus on learning, collaboration, and results for students,” Stein said. “Together, we have implemented systems and structures that support learning for all students, and we continue to see positive growth across all areas of our school.
“Being recognized as a Model PLC School validates the important work taking place each day at CDE and reinforces our commitment to focusing on the practices that make the greatest impact on students’ lives.”
Teacher Katie Chase emphasized the collaborative culture.
“Cairo-Durham Elementary’s approach to teamwork and learning has proven effective as teachers utilize the PLC process to ensure that all students are learning at high levels,” Chase said. “Teaching teams meet regularly to identify essential learning standards, analyze student data, share successful instructional strategies, and plan interventions. This collective commitment and culture of collaboration creates consistency across grade levels and helps ensure that every student in our school receives the support they need to succeed.”
Schools recognized as Model PLC at Work® Schools must meet rigorous criteria, including demonstrating a commitment to PLC concepts, implementing those concepts for at least three years, and providing evidence of improved student learning over time. Schools must also document and share the practices, structures, and culture that contributed to their success for review by the PLC Review Committee.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in recognized schools and districts have demonstrated “a sustained commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels” and a willingness to transform the structure and culture of their organizations to support that mission.
This recognition celebrates the hard work of the faculty, staff, students, and families of Cairo-Durham Elementary and reflects the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence and student success.
