Solution Tree Helps First Nations Schools Become Professional Learning Communities

The British Columbia First Nations Schools Association selects Solution Tree, an educational professional development company, to guide its efforts in becoming a professional learning community. This comprehensive school-improvement process is driven by a focus on learning and results in a collaborative culture.

News provided by

Solution Tree

Jul 27, 2010, 08:05 ET

MISSION, B.C., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- When leaders of the British Columbia First Nations Schools Association got to know Solution Tree Professional Learning Communities at Work™ associates, they saw promise in what these practitioners and presenters could offer local struggling schools. A relationship developed after many conversations, and now, a long-term journey toward continuous school improvement is about to begin.

The contract between Solution Tree Education Canada Inc. and BCFNSA, effective July 15, 2010, maps out a long-term professional development plan that brings key experts to British Columbia First Nations Schools. Training is scheduled to begin September 1, 2010. Plans for this first session include a two-day leadership training on September 1 and 2 with Merrilou Harrison, the lead associate who will be working with the schools. Other events in September include interactive videoconferencing with PLC at Work™ developers Richard DuFour and Rebecca DuFour and two days of presentations by Anthony Muhammad, an experienced author and associate. Training continues through June 2011 with a series of workshops, webinars, on-site project management, and interim support from Solution Tree associates. Training will focus on leadership, essential learning outcomes, common formative assessments, and interventions.

The PLC at Work™ process developed by Richard DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Rebecca DuFour has received recognition throughout North America for its effectiveness in improving student performance. The process is based on three big ideas: focus on learning, create a collaborative culture, and results orientation.

"Solution Tree Education Canada Inc. is honored to have the opportunity to implement a long-term professional learning communities model with the British Columbia First Nations Schools Association," says Donald "Stubby" McLean, director of Solution Tree's Canadian operations. "This agreement was made possible by the vision and dedication of BCFNSA leaders to raise all students' achievement by embedding the PLC philosophy throughout their system. I am extremely excited about working with the educational leaders of BCFNSA on this journey. I am confident we will increase levels of student achievement and school improvement, and I am committed to that cause."

About Solution Tree

Solution Tree is the nation's leading provider of comprehensive, research-based professional development solutions for K–12 educators. For more than 20 years, Solution Tree has worked with the world's premier authors and brightest minds in education. The company transforms education by empowering educators to successfully address today's most challenging problems and to create schools where all students succeed. Learn more at www.solution-tree.com.