SolutionTree.com/Changemakers CHALLENGE Glendale faced a series of significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As in virtually every district during this time, the pandemic severely disrupted student learning, leaving gaps in achievement and making it difficult for educators to bring their students to the next level. Additionally, teacher shortages posed an obstacle with a decline in certified staff. These issues led to inconsistent instruction and a lack of structured support for both educators and students. In response to these challenges, Superintendent Cindy Segotta-Jones and district leaders sought a way to ensure that every student had access to high-quality instruction, regardless of their starting point. The key was creating a culture where teachers could collaborate effectively and use data-driven strategies to support student learning. IMPLEMENTATION As assistant superintendent, Cindy supported early efforts to implement Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work®. After becoming superintendent, she partnered with Solution Tree to strengthen the work, ensuring greater fidelity and allowing the PLC to thrive. She and her leadership team guided teachers and leaders within the district to attend institutes, summits, and professional development events focused on assessment, collaborative teams, and English learner instruction. Through these experiences, the district became even more aware of the power of PLCs and how they could transform schools. “When you look at collaborative teams at grade levels, no one is left isolated. When you function with collaboration, it strengthens everyone,” Cindy shared. Glendale Elementary School District ensured that professional learning was not a one-time event, but an ongoing, embedded practice through professional development. This allowed teachers to engage in meaningful training that directly impacted their daily instruction. The district embraced best practices to build a strong PLC by establishing collaborative teams, utilizing Solution Tree resources, and engaging school leaders in meaningful learning experiences. Teachers participated in book studies centered around Learning by Doing and School Improvement for All, while school leaders received expert guidance and support from Solution Tree associates. At each grade level, collaborative teams worked together to share best practices, analyze student data, and develop targeted improvement strategies. Implementation extended beyond teachers, school leaders, and Solution Tree associates. Students also played a vital role in their own success. With a focus on student ownership of learning, data tracking became part of daily routines, helping students track their progress and see growth. Accessible data created a mindset shift in students where success was measured daily, not just at the end of the year. GLENDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT GLENDALE, ARIZONA 14 SCHOOLS / 8,858 STUDENTS / 69% FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH / 31.1% ENGLISH LEARNERS / 11.8% SPECIAL NEEDS 73.9% HISPANIC OR LATINO / 9.7% BLACK / 9.2% WHITE / 3.2% ASIAN / 2.3% MULTIRACIAL / 1.5% AMERICAN INDIAN / 0.2% NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER . The Summit on PLC at Work® . PLC at Work® Institute . Assessment, English learner, and collaborative teams PD . Learning by Doing book study . School Improvement for All book study EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE
