PACE Event

Rural Professional Learning Network

A PACE-Pivot Learning Seminar
Pivot Learning

Rural school districts face unique challenges in procuring funds, recruiting staff, and obtaining high-quality technical assistance. This environment creates challenges in implementing best practices, including in mathematics instruction. A collaborative learning network can address these challenges by providing access to professional development, collaborative time with peer districts, and economies of scale. Pivot Learning designed the Rural Professional Learning Network (RPLN) to address this need and partnered with the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) in the 2016–2017 school year to pilot the program.

In this seminar, based on a recent PACE report, Dr. Tom Timar, Nicodemus Ford, and leaders from El Dorado County Office of Education will discuss lessons learned from a rural network in El Dorado County.

For future networks, we recommend:

  • a shared network focus paired with site-specific work;
  • multiple, strategic opportunities to learn best practice;
  • intentional community and culture building;
  • a strong facilitator or hub, at least until the network is fully formed; and
  • a shared, data-driven improvement process

Panelists include:

  • Allison Carter, Vice President, Pivot Learning
  • Nicodemus Ford, Senior Program Manager, Pivot Learning
  • Marcy Guthrie, Superintendent, Mother Lode Union School District
  • Kim Little, Principal, Pollock Pines School District
  • Ed Manansala, County Superintendent, El Dorado County Office of Education
  • Gigi Marchini, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, El Dorado County Office of Education
  • Kevin Monsma, Deputy Superintendent, El Dorado County Office of Education
  • Thomas Timar, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Davis

Moderated by Heather J. Hough, Executive Director, PACE