Cobb Reporter

Dodgen Middle School in Cobb County has been recognized by Solution Tree for its effective implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process, which has contributed to improved student achievement. This recognition places Dodgen Middle School among approximately 600 schools and districts in the United States and Canada honored as Model PLC Schools.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are educational environments where educators focus on continuous, job-embedded learning to enhance student outcomes. The PLC framework emphasizes three core ideas: focusing on learning, fostering a collaborative culture, and maintaining a results-oriented approach.

Principal Dr. Alford expressed pride in the school's achievement, stating, “Our staff has worked tremendously hard to build a collaborative culture that leads to student success. We are very honored to have this hard work recognized with the designation of being named a Model PLC School, and look forward to continued academic improvement and high achievement as a result of this work.”

To be recognized as a model PLC school, institutions must meet strict criteria including commitment to PLC concepts for at least three years and evidence of improved student learning. Once these results are demonstrated, schools submit their practices for review by the PLC Review Committee.

The Champions of PLC at Work® commended the selected schools for their dedication: “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 share their strategies on allthingsplc.info, providing resources such as collaboration tools, articles, research about PLCs, blog posts, and more. This platform is maintained by Solution Tree, an organization dedicated to enhancing educational performance through various resources over the past 25 years.

For further information regarding Dodgen Middle School's recognition:

Dr. Patricia Alford

Dodgen Middle School

1725 Bill Murdock Road Marietta, GA 30062

Phone: 770-578-2726

Email: Patricia.Alford@cobbk12.org