Central Elementary Recognized For Raising Student Achievement

PLAINFIELD, IL — Central Elementary School in Plainfield was nationally recognized for raising student achievement, officials said.

It was one of three Illinois schools to be named a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work by Solution Tree, a publisher of educational material for K–12 educatorsand professional development company. The distinction is given to schools and districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for adults who serve those students, according to a news release.

The three "big ideas" of a PLC call on teachers to focus on learning, build a collaborative culture, and create a results orientation.

"We are proud that we have committed to the right work to increase student achievement and to become a more collaborative team who work together for all students," Principal Jennifer Hennegan said in a statement.

To be nominated, a team of Central teachers, staff and administrators submitted three years of school data, school report cards, the 5 Essentials survey data, and narratives about curriculum, student support and learning goals. Promising Practices schools implement the three PLC concepts for at least one to two years and must show clear evidence of improvement in student learning over that period, Taylor said. 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.

The school's work is paying off in higher state test scores, increases in administrative leadership, collaborative practices and supportive professional development, Director of Community Relations Linda Taylor wrote in a news release.

"What we are doing is hard work, but we are committed to high levels of learning and growth for all students," Hennegan said.

District 202 Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Paula Sereleas said, per the news release, she is proud of Central's staff's work in earning the recognition.

"The value of earning such recognition is that it demonstrates that all staff is focused on deliberate improvement and are working as a team to increase student achievement," she said.