Let’s start first with a framework. We like to talk about the model of Concentric Circles. Here’s how it works.
YELLOW – Students are always at the center, there is no argument there.
RED – The next question to ask is who supports the students in the most direct manner, of course, that would be the red wraparound band – our amazing teachers.
BLUE – So, who supports the teachers? We rely on our school leaders to provide the key supports and resources including targeted professional learning that supports our teachers in high-quality instructional practices. It’s clear where this is going.
BLACK – The next circle would be district responsibilities. A question to ask is – “Do we have the organized infrastructure meeting all of our structures, practices, and systems in place so that they are working synergistically to support positive student outcomes?”
WHITE – Finally, the last wraparound circle would be culture. We have clear data and research that indicates – unless we have a sustaining solutions-based culture in place and high levels of critical mass support, we are not positioned for continual successes.
Let’s focus back to the black circle – District Responsibilities. Within this circle and to help define the circle for your district, PLC Associates has a very powerful tool – the Organizational Assessment. With this tool, we are able to work with districts on 25 key elements that are critical for a high-performing system. Please let us know if you’re interested, it is a game changer for looking comprehensively at the district and the impact of its various practices.
Here is an opportunity with your leadership team. Do a read of this model and talk through the concentric circles. It’s a great drill and will move you on the right path.
How to Measure Each Layer: Choose Your Metrics for Longitudinal Analysis
The next consideration is a critical one- intentionally select the metrics, surveys or data points that will be utilized for measuring progress. This should occur at each level and will set the district up for longitudinal analysis.
Key questions to ask:
- Students: What common formative assessments are we utilizing? In addition to academic indicators, PLC Associates utilizes the Student Voice.
- Teachers: A great tool is the Professional Learning Reflection Tool which creates an opportunity for our teachers to indicate the targeted professional learning that will boost collective efficacy.
- Leaders: Enter our Leveraged Leadership inventory. This is uniquely for school leaders and examines 25 competencies that any leader would want to have in place in order to build a positive culture. It may be used individually or as a leadership team.
- District: The Organizational Assessment creates an opportunity to view all the structures, practices and systems of the organization. It is better to know.
- Culture: The Data Triangle gathers input both quantitatively and qualitatively from students, staff and families. This is an outstanding measure of culture.
PLC Associates can help you get started
We work with you to close gaps, replicate best practices, and build high-impact, sustainable systems.
We are ready to support the entire process:
- Assess current picture – Use range of powerful survey tools to provide baseline – Academics, Behavior and Social Emotional – This leads to identifying points of entry.
- Align your goals and vision – Carefully consider organizational, instructional, and school environment goals and how these align to baseline results and goals for your district and school plans.
- Determine pathway for improvement – Organize and match options for organizational, instructional, and school community improvements.
- Provide professional learning and evidence-based strategies – Select, tailor, and deliver data-driven sessions to elevate models, structures, and systems of learning and teaching.
- Monitor and measure for impact – Assess progress to goal completion, redirect for obstacles, and celebrate successes. Effective implementation of any plan demands ongoing monitoring, frequent check-ins, and informed course corrections to make sure improvement is leading to sustained and expanding practices.
Reach out to PLC Associates for a 15-minute solutions conversation.
Directly with Penny, at 585-703-7521 and would look forward to talking with you.
Want to learn even more, register for our upcoming Power Talk: Doing Data Right – Are You Set Up for Impact?
Thursday, October 6th
Register – 10:00am ET
Register – 4:00pm ET
Accomplish Great Things in Your District
We work with you to close gaps, replicate best practices, and build high-impact, sustainable systems.
Let’s Chat About How We Can Help
Reach out to PLC Associates for a 15-minute solutions conversation.
Directly with Penny Ciaburri at 585-703-7521 and would look forward to talking with you.
