Lewisville ISD’s Lillie J. Jackson Early Childhood Center was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The Lillie J. Jackson Early Childhood Center’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. LISD’s Early Childhood Center is one of three early childhood campuses in Texas to receive this honor.
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, Lillie J. Jackson Early Childhood Center Principal Virginia Gwyn said, “We are so excited about this recognition and the opportunity to celebrate the hard work of our teachers as they strive to provide meaningful and relevant learning experiences for all of our students. They have truly embraced working collaboratively and supporting each other to meet the needs of LISD’s youngest learners. We look forward to continuing this journey as a learning community.”
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. Tools for team collaboration, articles and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 20 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.
“Lillie Jackson has taken their vision and made it a reality,” Lewisville ISD Professional Learning Coordinator Kerise Ridinger said. “Being one of three model Pre-K specific schools in Texas to earn this recognition speaks to the dedication and hard work of the staff to ensure student success for our youngest learners!”
From the beginning, Lewisville Independent School District has committed to ensuring all students—your children—have the resources they need and want to ultimately thrive in a future they create. Follow Lewisville ISD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see more student experiences throughout the school year or visit Best Schools in Texas for more information about joining the LISD family.
