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Frequently Asked Questions for Auburn School District's Professional Learning Community (PLC) Late Starts
Why is Auburn School District going to a one hour "late start" schedule for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) next year?
Auburn School District is striving to improve student learning for all students. In order for teachers to develop assessments and instructional strategies to reach all learners, the school district designated time to allow for teachers at all grade levels and across schools to collaborate. To implement this time, the school district proposed a one hour late start on designated Mondays throughout the 2010-2011 school year, where students will arrive and start school one hour late. Breakfast and lunch services will continue to be available for students. Buses will run one hour late on the designated Mondays.
Will breakfast and lunch still be provided to students?
Yes. Students may access the breakfast and lunch services from their schools by either qualifying for free/reduced lunch and breakfast or by payment.
Will the buses run one hour late?
Yes. School buses will pick up students, at their regular bus stops, one hour later than their regular schedule.
What will teachers be doing during the one hour PLC late starts?
National research supports that teachers working in collaboration with one another to improve student learning results in more learning for all students. Teachers will be working in grade level or content teams by subject area to identify common agreements on what all students should know and be able to do as a result of a class or course; develop common assessments to measure student progress on those standards; identify students that need additional time and support; and identify options for students that have already met the standards. Teaching is generally an isolated profession throughout the nation and Auburn School District is working to improve student learning by developing a more collaborative culture.
Who do I call if I have specific questions about what my student's school is doing?
Call the building principal at your child's school.
Where can parents and other interested parties review the goals, objectives, and measurements of effectiveness regarding this program?
Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are a research-based model for collaboration. The District Strategic Improvement Plan, which can be found on the Auburn School District website http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/Superintendent/DistStratPlan.html identifies specific goals and objectives for measuring the district progress on improving student learning. Additional information on professional learning communities can be found at http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLC.html (educational resources).
When do the one hour PLC late starts begin in Auburn?
One hour PLC late starts will begin in all Auburn School District schools on October 4, 2010, and continue through May 23, 2011.
Are there any other schedule or calendar changes for Auburn School District schools in the 2010-11 school year?
Yes. Auburn School District will no longer have a February (mid-winter) break beginning in 2011. This puts additional instructional time back in the calendar before state testing and Advanced Placement (AP) testing begin. In addition, there will be shortened passing periods and longer instructional days for morning Kindergartners during these PLC Mondays to add instructional time to the school day.
What are the Power Standards and what do they mean for my student?
Power Standards are defined as the state standards that are critical for student success. Through the identification of Power Standards, teachers teach the most critical standards in the order of priority. Power Standards identify the guaranteed curriculum and standards that will be taught for each student, regardless of which classroom they are in. Auburn School District Power Standards for reading, writing, communication, science and math can be found at http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/Academics/PowerStandards.html.
I have an elementary age student that may need child care during the one hour PLC late starts. How do I get information on local daycares?
Each elementary and middle school in the Auburn School District has a list on the front door of their school that identify local child cares and community partners for families that may need child care on the late start Mondays. Information is also available on our Auburn School District website: Child Care Options for PLC Late Start Mondays. We will update the website regularly.
Is the additional daycare cost to parents who cannot alter their work schedule tax deductible or is there a relief budget set up to assist those parents for whom this additional cost is a hardship?
The school district has identified child care providers whom may offer scholarships, accept DSHS coupons or work on a sliding scale. A list of all child care providers in Auburn School District is available at Child Care Options for PLC Late Start Mondays or on the front door of each elementary/middle school in Auburn. Parents are also encouraged to contact their student's school to determine if any before-school programs are being offered. Families should consult their tax professional to determine if the cost is tax deductible.
Can I come and see what the teachers are doing during their PLC time?
Yes. Beginning in December 2010, you may contact your student's principal to set up a visitation.
Is there any additional costs to the district for this program and from which budget is it being paid?
The Professional Learning Community (PLC) late start is cost neutral.
Who monitors the programs to ensure that 100% of the meeting time is used for this program and not used for unrelated business?
Principals at each school maintain the agendas and minutes from each of the PLC teams within their schools. These documents are also monitored at the district level and the school district has a system for measuring progress.
Where can parents review information that demonstrates such programs have had an impact on student learning when used in other districts?
Two frequently updated websites include: www.allthingsplac.info and www.plcwashington.org identify school districts that have used the PLC model to improve student learning.
How will the district make up this time to students to comply with state requirements for attendance?
The Auburn School District meets the requirements for attendance as established by the Washington State Board of Education.
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