COLLABORATING FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Pentucket Regional School District Commits to

Developing Professional Learning Communities

 Recently, PRSD school leaders - administrators, department heads, team leaders and teachers attended a Professional Learning Communities conference hosted by nationally recognized leaders in the field – Richard Dufour, Rebecca Dufour and Robert Eaker.  The conference built knowledge and skills in leading the very difficult process of developing Professional Learning Communities.  This high quality learning experience was the first strategic step in a well conceived implementation plan that was accepted by the School Committee.  Training and support is planned for teachers and administrators throughout the year to ensure that all PRSD professionals have the knowledge, skills and support needed to accomplish the important work of implementing Professional Learning Communities in each district school.

 Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are designed to eliminate teacher isolation and open classroom doors to better serve students.  PLC’s strive to create a culture of professional collaboration on student work and teacher practice.  Professional Learning Communities are characterized by collaborative school-based teams that work interdependently toward mutually established student achievement goals.  PLC teams use an inquiry cycle to identify challenges, research solution strategies, implement best practices and evaluate results.  The ultimate goal is to ensure all Pentucket Regional School System students successfully achieve high academic standards given adequate time and good instruction.

 Beginning with the 2007/2008 school year, the district will commence a multiyear project to develop Professional Learning Communities in each district school.  Teachers, administrators and support staff will start intensive training in researched based collaboration strategies proven to positively impact student achievement through improved instructional techniques aimed at specific result measures.  The desired outcome is to have every Pentucket Regional School District professional regularly analyzing student achievement data, implementing proven best practices, analyzing student progress and making needed instructional adjustment to best meet the needs of all students.  The ability to identify learning needs early is key to student achievement.

 Community members can expect regular updates on progress toward the district goal of implementing Professional Learning Communities.  Please stay tuned as we move forward with this exciting new initiative.  The entire PRSD staff is anxious to work closely with the community as we build model schools designed to meet the needs of all students in collaboration with our parents.   

 Please visit our web site, www.prsd.org, to stay abreast of school district work and find ways to partner with our schools to improve student learning.