February 28, 2024 |
Photo – Rawlins Middle School Staff with banner – Courtesy RMS
The Rawlins Middle School has received national recognition for excellence in teaching skills and student performance.
Last week, RMS was named a model Professional Learning Community school by Solution Tree. Principal Ryan Searle said Solution Tree oversees the Professional Learning Community, or PLC, training. After using the PLC program for five years, Principal Searle said he felt his school was ready to apply for recognition from Solution Tree.
Principal Searle said he submitted the required information for national consideration. After being reviewed by the organization’s judges, Searle said Rawlins Middle School was selected as one of the National Model Professional Learning Community at Work schools.
RMS joins 600 Model PLC at Work schools across North America. RMS is one of 30 Wyoming schools that have received this year’s Solution Tree award. Principal Searle said the PLC process can be broken up into three main ideas. The first tenant is maintaining a focus on learning.
Because all students learn at their own speeds, Principal Searle said his staff does not discriminate by grade level. Searle said having teachers work in groups ensures Rawlins Middle School upholds the second pillar of PLC: building a collaborative culture.
Principal Searle said the third cornerstone of the Professional Learning Community process is an orientation toward results in the classroom. The principal said his staff uses data from the student assessments to improve the learning experience.
Fundamental Skills Coordinator Ryan Puckett said Rawlins Middle School was honored by Solution Tree because of its “All Means All” mentality. Puckett said the school uses data and statistics to create the best learning environment for students and staff.
As a winner of Solution Tree’s Professional Learning Community at Work award, Rawlins Middle School will receive a “celebration box” containing a banner displaying the school’s achievement. Principal Searle said the celebrations have already begun and will continue into next month.
Principal Searle said the staff at RMS won’t rest on their laurels. He said receiving the national award is a sign that his school’s methods are effective. However, Principal Searle said his staff are always striving to improve the way they teach.
