Two Southwest Missouri schools were recognized recently for their commitment to professional learning. Central Elementary School in the Neosho R-V School District and the Monett Intermediate School in the Monett R-I School District were amongst 14 schools from across Missouri to be honored as Professional Learning Communities Exemplary Schools, a part of The Missouri Professional Learning Communities Project that began during the 2003-04 school year.

Leaders at these schools are committed to creating environments that can ultimately improve achievement for all students," said Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven.

Professional learning communities see student learning, not teaching, as their mission. The policies, instruction, curriculum, programs, professional development, and other functions of the school all support student learning. In maintaining this constant focus on learning, four questions become paramount:

• What should students know and be able to do?

• How will the school determine that students have learned the essential knowledge and skills?

• How will the school respond when students do not learn?

• How will the school respond when they already know it?

Awards were presented by Vandeven at the Powerful Learning Conference that took place late in January at the Lake of the Ozarks.

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