News

Coffeyville, Kansas, April 26, 2023-The Dr. Jerry Hamm Early Learning Center was recently recognized by Solution Tree
for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The Coffeyville Public School’s successful implementation of the
Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its
students.
PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is on-going, jobembedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation.
Responding to news of the recognition, Dr. Amanda Cavaness said, “We are honored and feel we are on the right track
to improvement.”
Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts,
implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that
period. 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.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have
shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter
the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for
achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”
Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures,
and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Tools for team collaboration, articles and
research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is
maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student
performance. For more than 20 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create
schools where all children succeed.
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For more information, please contact:
Name: Dr. Amanda Cavaness and Lora Stalford
School: Dr. Jerry Hamm Early Learning Center
Address: 200 Walnut
Phone: 620-252-6400
Email: amanda.cavaness@cvilleschools.com & lora.stalford@cvilleschools.com