There is an age-old question—If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to see it, does it make a sound? Here’s another question—If a collaborative team meeting takes... read more →
Before Morrilton Intermediate School was selected to be a part of Cohort One of the PLC at Work® process in Arkansas, we had common planning times, but there was no expectation of collaboration.... read more →
On my mind a great deal lately is the precision that is required of schools.I often hear my father-in-law in my head saying, “Start straight, stay straight, and you will... read more →
It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving break. As a busy elementary school principal, I spent the previous four days resting, relaxing, and gearing up for the mad dash to winter break.... read more →
Rick DuFour details the litany of expectations thrust on today’s teachers and administrators in his book, In Praise of American Educators. Unfortunately, many educators grapple with punitive academic accountability systems... read more →
Data analysis. It is a concept that spurs rich reflection from many, but eyerolls or quizzical looks from too many. Some teachers feel that the data analysis they do is... read more →
Meeting the needs of every teacher can be a daunting task for even the most experienced instructional coach. While supporting new teachers is the gateway to establishing a rich and healthy school climate,... read more →
Becoming a PLC is a journey of transformation. It requires that we nurture and cultivate a collaborative culture anchored around a shared commitment of one thing: learning. However, it... read more →
The Arkansas Department of Education and Solution Tree have established a partnership to develop and expand the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process within select schools. These schools will serve as working laboratories of the PLC at... read more →
Three is a magic number. I know that because Schoolhouse Rock! said so. There is a holy trinity, time is split into three parts (past, present, and future). There are three branches... read more →