CHOWCHILLA — Fairmead Elementary School has been recognized by Solution Tree as a Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® School, an honor awarded to schools that demonstrate sustained success in improving student learning through collaborative practices and a relentless focus on achievement for all students.
Fairmead joins an elite group of approximately 600 schools and districts across the United States and Canada that have earned this distinction by successfully implementing the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process and demonstrating measurable improvements in student achievement over multiple years.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are built on the belief that the key to improving student learning is continuous, job-embedded learning for the educators who serve students. The PLC at Work® process is centered on three fundamental ideas:
• A relentless focus on student learning.
• A collaborative culture where educators work together to improve instruction.
• A results-oriented approach that uses evidence of student learning to guide decisions and continuous improvement.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible dedication of our teachers, classified staff, students, families, and district leadership,” said Casie Cox, Principal of Fairmead Elementary. “At Fairmead, we believe every student can learn at high levels when adults work together with a shared purpose. Becoming a Model PLC School is not the finish line — it’s an affirmation that our commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring success for every learner is making a difference. I couldn’t be more proud of our Warrior family.”
“Fairmead’s recognition as a Model PLC at Work School is an incredible accomplishment and a powerful reflection of what happens when talented educators work together with a relentless focus on student learning,” said Doug Collins, Superintendent of Chowchilla Elementary School District. “We are tremendously proud of Principal Casie Cox, the entire Fairmead team, and our Warrior community. At the same time, this recognition represents something even bigger for CESD. Fairmead’s recognition is proof that the key work and focus on learning over the last four years is working and our goal is to build on this momentum across all five of our schools as we continue our journey toward becoming a Model PLC District at Work. This is a proud moment for Fairmead and an exciting step forward for all of Chowchilla Elementary School District.”
Schools earning this recognition must meet rigorous criteria, including demonstrating a sustained commitment to PLC practices for at least three years, providing clear evidence of improved student learning, and documenting the systems, structures, and collaborative culture that support continuous improvement.
The Champions of PLC at Work® recognize Model PLC schools as organizations that have demonstrated “a sustained commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels” by transforming both the culture and practices of the school to ensure learning for every student.
Fairmead Elementary’s recognition reflects years of intentional work building collaborative teacher teams, implementing a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), focusing on high-quality instruction, and using student learning data to drive decisions. These efforts have resulted in meaningful academic growth while strengthening a positive school culture centered on the CESD values of Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Kind.
Recognized Model PLC schools are featured on AllThingsPLC.info, where educators around the world share effective practices and learn from one another. The website is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading educational professional development organization dedicated to helping schools improve learning for all students.