Performance Learning Centers – FAQ
What is a Performance Learning Center (PLC)?
The Performance Learning Center is a small, non-traditional high school geared toward students who are not succeeding in a traditional school setting. The PLC creates a business-like learning environment where students complete assignments using online, computer-based curriculum with the assistance of learning facilitators. The PLC also utilizes project-based learning, service learning, job shadowing, internships, mentoring, and dual enrollment with technical and four-year colleges. The PLC can be located in off-campus or detached centers, or within an existing school. The PLC is a small school model and generally has 75-150 students.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, each year in Georgia the 12th grade class is approximately 40% smaller than the 9th grade class four years earlier. Georgia has one of the highest dropout rates in the country. The PLCs were created to help reduce this dropout rate by reaching those students in the dropout pipeline. The PLCs use the Communities In Schools philosophy to build a caring learning environment where students are challenged to meet their social and academic goals. The environment allows students ample opportunity to graduate and emerge with certifiable employment skills.
The PLCs serve high school students who are not succeeding in a traditional school setting. Students referred to the PLC typically experience poor academic achievement, are chronically late to or absent from school, and are at high risk of dropping out of school.
There are 14 PLCs in Georgia. Click here for a complete listing.
How does a student enroll in a PLC?
School administrators and parents submit referrals to the PLC student selection committee along with students’ transcripts. The student must successfully complete an interview process, take a Basic Achievement Skills Inventory (BASI) assessment, and students and parents must sign a contract detailing their obligations before being admitted.
What are the benefits of a PLC?
All students assigned to the PLC have an opportunity to catch up academically or move ahead at their own pace. Students also benefit from technical training, internships, project-based learning, service learning and job shadowing experiences. Eligible students can apply for dual enrollment with technical or four-year colleges.
Is the PLC part of the regular public school system?
Yes. The PLCs enroll students who are referred from the regular public school system. Students have the option of graduating with their original high school class if they meet all requirements on time or graduating with the PLC students.
How long does it take to graduate from a PLC?
The time it takes to graduate from a PLC depends on the number of credits a student needs. A seat-time waiver from the Department of Education allows students to work at their own pace, first making up classes they’ve failed before moving on to additional coursework. The PLCs offer credit-deficient students a way to obtain credits without losing additional time.
Do PLC students adhere to the same academic and graduating requirements expected of all Georgia high school students?
Yes. Students must take the same required classes and successfully pass the same end of year course tests in order to graduate.
What type of online curriculum does the PLC use?
Online curriculum allows students the opportunity to catch up academically and work at an accelerated pace to achieve mastery learning. There is a list of approved curriculum content providers for the PLCs, from which each district may select: Apex Learning, Edgenuity (formerly Education 2020), Pearson Digital Learning’s NovaNET, Plato and Odysseyware. Each is aligned to the Georgia Performance Standards. PLC learning facilitators, who are highly qualified teachers, blend the online curriculum with offline assignments, project-based and service learning to meet state standards and improve critical thinking/communication skills.
How do PLC students progress through the coursework?
Students must attain 80% accuracy on course work before advancing.
How many teachers and administrators does the PLC have?
The PLCs have a 1 to 15 teacher-student ratio. The five teachers are referred to as learning facilitators, and the principal is referred to as the academic coordinator. Additionally, there is a CIS services coordinator who works with parents, handles non-instructional issues facing students and provides information to the community.
Does the PLC offer electives and extracurricular activities?
Because most of the students who attend the PLC are behind in credits, only some electives and extracurricular activities are offered.
Does the PLC incorporate project-based learning and service learning into its curriculum?
Yes. Students are required to participate in project-based learning and/or service learning. Project-based learning helps students develop research and writing skills, become familiar with technology and collaborate with peers during presentations. Service learning engages students by enriching their academic skills as they help others and give back to their communities. The project-based learning and service learning projects help students to develop leadership skills.
Why do students participate in job shadowing, internships, and dual enrollment at the PLC?
Participating in job shadowing, internships, and dual enrollment helps students become productive and successful adults and gain valuable work and college experience.
Why are PLC students required to participate in the morning motivation and complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?
Morning motivation is a daily session designed to establish, maintain and nurture a positive safe environment for PLC students to learn, grow and experience success. Students have the opportunity to lead daily discussions and activities that build applicable presentation and life skills.
With the assistance of a staff member, the IDP helps students begin thinking about their career and life goals. Each student develops an individualized plan based on their needs and interests that includes academic, career and personal goals.
Are there opportunities for mentoring at the PLC?
Yes. Each student needs a mentor from the community. Together they work on career development and other areas of interest.
What type of support does the local school district provide to the PLC?
The school district provides the PLC with a building, instructors, and some capital.
What type of support does Communities In Schools provide to the PLC?
Communities In Schools provides additional capital, computers and other equipment, technical support, ongoing training and a services coordinator who helps with non-academic issues that may affect a student’s ability to learn.
What is the relationship between Communities In Schools and the PLC?
The Performance Learning Center is one of Communities In Schools’ key programs. The PLC initiative exemplifies the CIS philosophy that every child deserves five basics: a personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult; a safe place to learn and grow; a healthy start and a healthy future; a marketable skill to use upon graduation; and a chance to give back to peers and the community.
Other key CIS programs in Georgia include mentoring, parent education, literacy, technology and youth leadership.