A "Stretch Culture"

Learning should be the central purpose of every school, and no matter how high the scores are on the standardized tests, there is always more that students can learn, so there is more that teachers can teach.  In the "stretch culture" described in the final chapter of Dufour's book, the premise that teachers will work together to set goals, develop assessments, look at the results and then help each other solve problems.  I am particularly drawn to the statement that in a PLC, all students should achieve a high level of learning.  Intervention occurs whenever any student has a difficulty, whether this student is a gifted student or a special education one.  Teachers in a PLC are not lecturers, but they are coaches, inspiring students to practice, step higher, practice, step higher and learn how to learn.  I wholeheartedly agree that our schools today only recognize the elite learners, those on the Honor Roll or the NHS students.  In a PLC, students should receive recognition for being persistent learners, for showing improvement or for good attitude and character.