WDC is in its second year of implementing Professional
Learning Communities (PLCs) to address studentlearning needs and staff development needs.
According to WDC Elementary Principal Louis Rutten, the PLCs help WDC student-learning needs by continually examining student work against state standards.
"The PLC time helps staff become self-directed learners within their discipline area and allows for much-needed dialogue on curriculum alignment and research-based instructional strategies," he said.
Wadena-Deer Creek elementary and high school teachers worked in groups according to their grade or specialty during their quarterly PLC workshop on Friday, Dec. 2. Each of WDC's 14 PLCs have individual goals that focus on student achievement and best instruction practices.
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WDC has used some form of PLCs since January 2004 with their K-4 reading teachers involvement of the Reading First grant. This is the second year all K-12 staff have been involved with this type of group learning.
The PLC Leadership Team members include Tyler Church, high school principal; Mike Brunsberg, English teacher; Mike Ortmann, music teacher; Norm Gallant, activities director/dean of students; Carol Tornquist, second-grade teacher; and Cheryl Kellen, first-grade teacher.
"This team has really gone above and beyond to get us on the right track in establishing this continuous improvement model of professionals learning to become better at what we do," said Rutten.
