Professional Learning Communities and Equity were major themes this summer as LPS school leaders engaged in professional development in preparation for the 2017-2018 school year.

In June, school and district leaders spent two days preparing to fully engage every school staff in weekly Professional Learning Communities with fidelity in 17-18. Having consistent, frequent time for Professional Learning Communities is more important than ever before. The new district achievement goal states: 100 percent of LPS students will graduate prepared for meaningful, post-secondary opportunities. This means that teachers need more collaborative time to better address:

• Improving academic growth and achievement;
• Closing achievement gaps;
• Serving a more diverse population as the community’s demographics change;
• Ensuring students graduate with 21st century skills.

Additional time to collaborate is also critical as schools prepare students to meet the increased rigor of the state’s new graduation requirements. Students’ social/emotional well-being is also addressed through teachers’ PLC work.  

Refining and growing the Professional Learning Communities framework to support the district goal - that “100% of LPS students will graduate prepared for meaningful post-secondary opportunities” - is the top priority for the LPS Board of Education.

At their July 24th Leadership Retreat, LPS school and district leaders spent the day learning about how to create school practices that foster a sense of inclusion, self-confidence and success for all students. Nationally recognized speaker Dr. Jeff Duncan Andrade led the group in a review of key concepts, including how to build deeper understanding of each student's cultural background, engaging students as leaders, making curriculum relevant to all students and addressing the critical needs of disadvantaged populations. Principals, Assistant Principals and central office administrators also spent time working in a new data dashboard that provides academic, attendance and behavior data broken down by demographic categories that will help guide interventions and school improvement plans. Superintendent Brian Ewert shared with the group his belief that "no school district is truly excellent unless it also seeks to be equitable for all students and families."   

The conversation about equity continued August 1st as school and district leaders heard from national speaker Emily Zimmerman. Ms. Zimmerman lost her sight as a sophomore in high school. She shared her story of emotional and physical challenges and her message of hope, determination, persistence, strength and courage.

District leaders spent two days preparing to fully engage every school staff in weekly PLCs

Speaker Dr. Jeff Duncan Andrade

Speaker Emily Zimmerman