CHALLENGE Before embracing the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process, Manistee Area Public Schools (MAPS) faced significant challenges, particularly concerning student assessment. Test scores revealed gaps in student mastery, indicating a lack of clarity in defining learning outcomes. The district recognized they weren’t consistently meeting the needs of every student, every day, at every skill level. Furthermore, secondary collaboration was fragmented. Teachers, often isolated in single-subject roles, lacked structured time for meaningful teamwork. While grade-level meetings occurred, they lacked focus and direction, leading to inconsistent practices. Recognizing the need for systemic change, superintendent Ronald Stoneman initiated a districtwide effort to adopt the PLC at Work process, aiming to transform their approach to teaching and learning. IMPLEMENTATION The transformation of MAPS to PLC at Work was deeply intertwined with a desire to enhance its assessment practices. This journey began with superintendent Stoneman building the foundation from 2016 to 2019. Curriculum director Amber Kowatch was hired in January 2019 to take on this work, further establishing a collaborative culture and creating a guiding coalition to establish a shared mission and vision. In February 2019, a core group of administrators and teachers attended the Summit on PLC at Work in Phoenix, Arizona, and upon returning, that group launched a book study for Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work® by Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, and Robert Eaker. Expert Geri Parscale then presented the foundational understanding of PLC concepts for all staff, kicking off the 2019–2020 school year. That same year, the district established “Late-Start Mondays” to provide dedicated time for collaborative teams to meet, and the full teaching staff engaged in the Learning by Doing book study to begin our work. This focus on assessment became particularly crucial as they navigated the challenges of hybrid and virtual learning during the 2020 pandemic. As they navigated the return to school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Manistee brought in PLC expert Dr. Anthony Muhammad to address the critical need for a strong, supportive school culture. Dr. Muhammad’s message emphasized the importance of educators’ roles in meeting students’ needs, particularly during challenging times. During the 2020–2021 school year, amidst the challenges of hybrid learning, Manistee finalized its essential standards and began preliminary discussions about assessment design. They adopted another book study, Design in Five: Essential Phases to Create Engaging Assessment Practice by Nicole Dimich, to guide their assessment refinement journey. The district also invested in professional development and coaching led by Angie Freese, who focused on formative and summative assessment strategies. DEMOGRAPHICS › 1,245 students › 50% free and reduced lunch › 13.6% students with special needs RACIAL/ETHNIC PERCENTAGES › 70% White › 10% Black › 2.2% Multiracial › 25% Hispanic or Latino › 10% Asian; Hawaiian Native or Pacific Islander › 3.7% American Indian or Alaska Native Manistee Area Public Schools fosters an inclusive, diverse education for all learners, from preschool through 12th grade. With dedicated buildings for each level—preK–2, 3–5, and 6–12—the district prioritizes 21st- century learning environments. Their mission centers on inspiring students and supporting their educational journeys within a connected Manistee learning community. Evidence of Excellence Manistee Area Public Schools MANISTEE, MICHIGAN Please note that all data and people mentioned in this story represent solely the time frame in which Solution Tree actively worked with the school or district and the time frame in which the school or district committed to implementing processes and practices set forth by Solution Tree. Building and district leaders and staff featured in Evidence of Excellence stories may have changed since the stories were published. Discover more schools that have partnered with us to achieve great results at SolutionTree.com/MakingADifference
