Tomball ISD Recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work® School District by Solution Tree

TOMBALL, TX — Tomball Independent School District has placed a continued focus on supporting a collaborative culture and for that effort, Solution Tree recently recognized TISD as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work® School District for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The district’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process has significantly contributed to the improved achievement of its students.

Tomball ISD becomes just the fourth district in Texas and 32nd district nationwide to receive this impressive distinction.

“We are honored to receive the Model PLC district designation,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD Superintendent of Schools. “The hard work along with the collaborative culture our schools have created is a testament to their dedication to student achievement and high-quality instruction. Our teachers and staff are committed to the PLC process, and this honor validates the amazing work and strategic planning they implement on a daily basis.”

PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three main ideas of a PLC ask educators to:

• Focus on learning
• Build a collaborative culture
• Create a results orientation

“Tomball ISD began the PLC journey over a decade ago and the intentional focus on learning within a supportive collaborative culture has allowed the district to reach new heights related to student achievement, teacher quality and employee retention, leadership initiatives, and strategic innovation,” said Dr. Lee Wright, Tomball ISD Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Innovation. “Tomball ISD is truly a Destination District for many reasons, and being one of only four districts in Texas and just 32 nationwide to earn this recognition is a testament to our teachers first and foremost, but also to the leaders who cast the vision that ALL students learn in Tomball ISD. In a time where some school systems are struggling to survive, Tomball ISD continues to thrive.”

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. 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.

Tomball ISD schools have committed to the PLC journey and for that commitment, 11 campuses have been named PLC Model Schools by Solution Tree. The list of 11 includes: Tomball Memorial High School, Tomball Star Academy, Tomball Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Tomball Intermediate, Timber Creek Elementary, Creekside Park Junior High, Oakcrest Intermediate, Creekview Elementary, Tomball Junior High, and Canyon Pointe Elementary.

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 and districts are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools.

To learn more about Tomball ISD’s PLC journey, visit AllThingsPLC.