State launches professional learning pilot project

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education, in partnership with Solution Tree, recently announced a new program to develop and expand the Professional Learning Communities at Work process across Arkansas.

The state selected 11 schools and one district to serve as working models for the Professional Learning Communities process, conducting action research and sharing best practices with other schools throughout the state. Awardees will receive as many as 50 days of training, coaching and support to build and sustain a culture of collaboration to enhance student learning.

A panel of educational professionals knowledgeable of the PLC at Work process reviewed 83 applications. Selected schools will receive support from Solution Tree, a national professional development provider that specializes in professional learning communities.

Selected schools are located in the Fort Smith, Greenbrier, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Monticello, Pulaski County, Rogers, South Conway County, Vilonia and West Memphis districts. Also selected were Premier High School of Little Rock and the Prescott School District.

“These schools and district submitted outstanding applications that demonstrate their commitment to student-focused learning,” ADE Commissioner Johnny Key said. “The intensive work to build collaborative teams this school year will not only improve communication and the sharing of resources among teachers, it will result in student progress.

“When educators share best practices and work together to address areas that need improvement, our students have endless opportunities to grow and learn. These schools are committed to ensuring Arkansas leads the nation in student-focused education.”

The PLC at Work process centers around a focus on learning, building a collaborative culture and creating a results-based orientation. PLC at Work schools and districts are distinguished by the process in which educators collaborate in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve.

Participants will be matched with a certified PLC at Work associate from Solution Tree. Associates provide on-site training, observation, coaching and other job-embedded staff development as school and district personnel implement, deepen and sustain the PLC at Work process. Selected schools and district will create action plans that focus on increasing student achievement through aligned curriculum, formative assessment and proven instructional strategies.

Act 427 of 2017 provides funding for the pilot program, which is free for those selected.