WHAT ARE SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES?

“One of the best things about the Small Learning Communities is that students receive individual attention. This is because each SLC has its own Teachers, SLC Directors, SLC Coordinators, Attendance teachers, and Guidance Counselors.”
Eddie Holmes, Attendance Teacher
9th Grade Academy
DeWitt Clinton High School

WHAT ARE SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (SLCs)?

A Smaller Learning Community is an environment in which a core group of teachers and other adults within a school know the needs, interests, and aspirations of each student well, closely monitor his or her progress, and provide the academic and other support he or she needs to succeed. SLC teachers plan together and the curriculum in each SLC is structured around a theme or unifying principle to add relevance to academic subjects. There is one Principal for the school, with each SLC led by an Assistant Principal. SLC schools are supported by the Office of School Redesign under the Office of Portfolio Development.

SLC THEORY OF CHANGE:

By reorganizing according to the Framework for SLCs in NYC (see the Framework for SLCs in NYC), secondary schools create clear lines of empowerment and accountability, where the collaborative work of facilitative leaders and defined teacher teams results in a culture of personalization for students, improved cross-curricular teaching, and significant improvements in student achievement and college readiness.

FOUR CORE ELEMENTS OF THE FRAMEWORK FOR SLC IN NYC:

1. FACILITATIVE & DISTRIBUTIVE LEADERSHIP

2. DEDICATED TEACHING, LEARNING, & SUPPORT TEAMS

3. A DATA DRIVEN SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY

4. RIGOROUS CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION FOR ALL STUDENTS, CENTERED ON A UNIFYING FOCUS