Solution Tree is an organization that focuses on empowering and informing educators. The organization educates over 50,000 teachers in the U.S. The goal of this organization is to see an increase in student achievement. This is the third academic year that the district has partnered with the organization. Superintendent Molly Moore noted that the school took part in the on-site professional learning community offered through the organization. This is a program which brings the teachings to the district to inform teachers on learning objectives. The program took place over the course of two days and occurred shortly before the children returned to the facilities, according to Moore. Moore noted that this year, the focus of the event is on interventions and extensions. This encapsulated the answers to two essential questions, according to Moore. What can be done when students have not learned the essential standards and what can be done for the students that need further enrichment?

Moore mentioned that 27 staff members from the district participated in the two-day session. These staff members mostly included school counselors, special education teachers, and reading teachers, said Moore.

One innovative example that came about as a result of this program is the creation of an intervention block by the middle school, stated Moore. Moore detailed that the math teachers are providing interventions for students in grades six through eight. These interventions are able to target specific areas of need for children regardless of the grade level in middle school. This is crucial for math especially as Moore noted math performance improvements as being a goal for the district. This is due to the need to focus on improvements to math scores within the district, according to Moore.

At the second day of programming, Moore noted that Toby Youngs was present. Youngs serves as principal of Windsor Central High School and has over 17 years of experience in education. Youngs has been a crucial component of implementing PLCs within his school and provides presentations through Solution Tree to help coach on PLC processes. Moore noted that Youngs lead a half-day program pertaining to response to intervention and intervention services at the district’s event. Following this program attendees utilized the rest of the day to develop more specific plans for individual situations to apply during this school year.

Southwestern Central School teachers are pictured preparing during a recent professional development day.

Moore noted that the district is excited for the teachings brought in by the program and board members hope to see positive results from students throughout this year.

Southwestern Central School District teachers work hard in the learning communities. Submitted photos