A key strategy of the District strategic plan is the implementation of Student Learning Teams (SLT's).  The D34 SLT model is based on the Professional Learning Community (PLC) body of research. For a brief overview, view the article "What is a professional learning community."  View a comprehensive resource titled Advocates for Professional Learning Communities: Finding Common Ground in Education Reform to learn more about the research base. 

View research, articles, websites and video clips on the D34 SLT Resource site.

In summary- “High performing schools tend to promote collaborative cultures, support professional communities and exchanges among all staff and cultivate strong ties among the school, parents, and community. . . . Teachers and staff collaborate to remove barriers to student learning. . . . Teachers communicate regularly with each other about effective teaching and learning strategies.” (National Education Association, 2006).  

SLT's ask 4 key questions: 1.) What do we want all students to know and be able to do?; 2.) How will we know if they know it and can do it?; 3.) How will we respond if they can't/don't? and 4.) How will we respond if they do? In short, teachers meet in collaborative teams to review assessment data, share best practices and identify strategies for struggling students. 

The image below reflects the spectrum of differentiation to address individual student learning needs.  SLT's ensure that every student is learning to his/her full potential.