During the recent Franklin Special School District (FSD) Board Meeting, the focus was on enhancing educational leadership through professional learning, led by Dr. Taryn Echols, an expert from Solution Tree. This session marked Dr. Echols' third visit to the district, emphasizing the importance of ongoing professional development for school leaders, including principals and assistant principals.

Dr. Echols highlighted the significance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) in fostering effective collaboration among educators. The goal is to refine the collaborative processes that are essential for improving student achievement. The PLC at Work model encourages continuous cycles of teaching, data analysis, and learning, ensuring that educators are equipped to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Key discussions included the establishment of norms and agendas for PLT meetings, which are crucial for maintaining effective collaboration. Teams are encouraged to regularly analyze evidence of student learning, identify strengths, and create plans to support students who need additional help. This structured approach aims to ensure that all students achieve proficiency in grade-level standards.

The leadership team also explored various scenarios to better coach and support teachers in their instructional practices. By collaborating with experts from other districts, FSD leaders aim to remove obstacles to student learning and enhance their ability to support educators effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to professional learning as a means to uphold its promise of putting students first and achieving excellence in education. As FSD continues to invest in the development of its leaders and educators, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment that fosters academic success for all students.