TMS recognized for achievement

Thermopolis Middle School is one of eight schools in the United States recognized by Solution Tree in 2017 for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The 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, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to focus on learning, build collaborative culture and create a results orientation.

Principal Breez Daniels said, “The staff and students at Thermopolis Middle School are willing to work hard to reach challenging goals. Our students focus on growing academically each year and they are willing to put in the effort to reach their goals. Our teachers live and breathe the belief that Every Student Can Grow and Learn at High Levels. It takes all of us working together in a school, parent, student partnership for our students to reach their learning goals! Earning this recognition is a tremendous honor for our school, our district and our community.”

Superintendent Dustin Hunt stated, “This is a well-deserved and tremendous honor for the students and staff of Thermopolis Middle School. To say that I am proud would be an understatement. This honor is just further proof that we have amazing students and staff in Thermopolis, with only one other middle school of the same demographics receiving this recognition nationally.”

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 Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Mike Mattos, 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.