Harding High School is starting a new initiative that will focus on student learning- Professional Learning Communities (PLC).  Professional Learning Communities focus on learning rather than on teaching by working collaboratively as educators as well as holding yourself accountable for results.

 "If schools are to be significantly more effective, they must break from the  industrial model upon which they were created and embrace a new model that enables them to function as learning organizations. We prefer characterizing learning organizations as ‘professional learning communities’ for several vital reasons. While the term ‘organization’ suggests a partnership enhanced by efficiency, expediency, and mutual interests, ‘community’ places greater emphasis on relationships, shared ideals, and a strong culture – all factors that are critical to school improvement. The challenge for educators is to create a community of commitment – a professional learning community.”  (DuFour & Eaker, 1998, as cited in James, L. (2005).

Small Learning Communities

Harding High School is a highly competitive International Baccalaureate (IB) School that has its foundations in small learning communities. The school is divided into 5 academies. All 9th graders are members of the 9th grade academy. For grades 10-12, depending on interests, students join one of the following:

• Academy of Fine Arts
  
• Human Services Academy
• Medical and Environmental Studies Academy
• Science, Engineering, & Industrial Technology Academy

• School-wide writing improvement plan
  
• Foundations advisories
  
• Systematic academic interventions for students
  
• Collaborative teams in course content areas to build curriculum, common assessments and intervention strategies
  

Harding staff team together so that all students at Harding will learn.

As a school community, it is our expectation that all students will achieve their highest potential. We have an energetic staff and we want to encourage parent participation in every aspect of the school. Parent involvement is vital to student success.