Summer Edition 2013
ISD 273
Edina Public Schools News
Professional Learning Communities focus on student learning Dedicated teacher collaboration time looks at individual student needs, strategies for success As Edina Public Schools (EPS) continues to look at ways to ensure academic growth and high achievement for each and every student, the district has enhanced its Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at each school site to continually increase the quality of student learning in the classroom and ensure alignment with its Next Generation of Edina Schools strategic plan. According to Randy Smasal, EPS Director of Teaching and Learning, the PLCs provide opportunities for all teaching staff to be engaged in looking into ways they can increase learning for all students.
collaborative culture, and results. “Students benefit when their teachers come together and craft lesson plans that help kids learn and understand the content,” he said. “We look forward to building support for this model by incorporating more time into the day for PLC work. Next year’s late start and early release days are a good step in that direction.”
Smasal said that the collaboration time allows teachers to better customize the learning experience for each student by focusing instruction at the “We believe that organizing staff in individual student level. Having additional collaborative teams better meets the needs planning time periodically throughout of all of our students and ensures proficiency the year allows teachers to provide timely and growth for all,” Smasal said. “Through modifications or change instruction in ways the research we have that best meet the needs of compiled, we have found “In working together, their students. that the number one individual teachers At Countryside Elementary, school factor that impacts Principal Karen Bergman are really able to student learning is the noted the importance quality of a teacher in have positive impacts of staff coming together the classroom. Our goal and taking student data on their students’ through our Professional into consideration when Learning Communities is learning.” planning curriculum. to raise the bar of teacher proficiency and continue to close the gap at all “Teachers get a chance to talk about what is levels within the district.” working in their classroom in terms of strategy and how to approach a unit or a particular According to Smasal, high-functioning PLCs standard, ” she said. “In working together, PIP 8x2 page ad 061213.pdf 2 a 6/12/13 8:59 AM focus on learning over teaching, building
In 2013-14, teams will set aside time to meet and collaborate weekly, set standards and goals early in the school year, and review student data to better know each individual student. Teachers will focus their work on what students need to know, and how they will measure growth and understanding, and how they will personalize instruction to meet the varying needs of their students. Smasal said in so doing, teachers will improve their practice, which will in turn impact student learning. “The further we get into utilizing the PLCs, the better we are at improving the success of our students,” Bergman added. “When our staff comes together, it raises that level of excellence in our teachers’ work and how it will impact the learning of all students.”
Don't forget your yearly well child exam.
C
M
A yearly visit is an important element of your child’s health care, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and your provider at Partners in Pediatrics.
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
individual teachers are really able to have positive impacts on their students’ learning.”
Health info for adults and fun stuff for kids.
france and excelsior
pipstop.com • 952.562.8787
www.edinaschools.org | 1