Northpointe Intermediate Recognized as a Model PLC School by Solution Tree

TOMBALL — Tomball ISD’s Northpointe Intermediate was recently recognized by Solution Tree 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.

Northpointe Intermediate became the 14th Model PLC school in Tomball ISD with the District also holding the prestigious title of Model PLC District.

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:

1. 1. Focus on learning.
2. 2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. 3. Create a results orientation.

“The NIS teams began really unpacking the collaborative PLC process five years ago after reflecting on student performance data with a desire to ensure academic growth for all students while on campus for two short years," said Dr. Lee Wright, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Innovation. "Through an intentional focus on job-embedded learning, instructional design practices, and building systems to analyze results, teams began to move the needle related to student achievement. Success drives the quest for more and their story is filled with many success stories for students, teachers, and campus leaders." 

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.

“Earning Model PLC status is a tremendous accomplishment for our campus,” said Dr. Caitlin Cain, Principal of NIS. “It reflects the tireless efforts of our teachers and their commitment to collaboration. I'm incredibly proud of the culture we've built focused on student learning and teacher collaboration, and I'm excited to see the positive impact it continues to have on our students' learning at Northpointe.”

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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ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 22,000 students across 23 campuses.