When Being Late to School is Good.
Some parents like them. Some parents hate them. Most kids love them! We’re talking about the two hour late start Mondays that take place about once each month in the Vancouver School District. So, what do teacher’s do on late start days? (Hint: They don’t get to start late.)
They work together in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to improve student learning. PLCs began in Vancouver Public Schools in 2009. Research shows significant learning gains may be achieved when time is provided for educators to work together to discuss lesson planning, assessments of students, and interventions or enrichment of lessons.
Professional Learning Communities support the district’s Design II Strategic Plan. Educators participating in PLCs routinely focus on four essential questions:
• What do we expect students to learn?
• How will we know when they have learned it?
• How will we respond when they don’t learn?
• How will we respond when they already know it?
Already the results of PLCs are positive, “We have had much success with our concentrated focus on math data. This has allowed our teachers to better meet the needs of our students. Our test scores and student learning have increased in amazing ways,” wrote one Vancouver teacher.
The following dates are two hour late start dates for the Vancouver School District 2011-2012: September 19, October 24, November 14, January 9, February 27, March 12, April 16, and May 21.
This post: “Vancouver School District Keeps Late Start Days” was originally featured at Clark County Live!
For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!
