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Marzano Resources Collaborates with NC Department of Public Instruction

In an innovative move to elevate educational standards, Marzano Resources, a leading provider of professional development resources for K-12 educators, has inked a five-year partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI). This collaboration aims to enhance student performance in mathematics, particularly in low-income schools that have faced persistent challenges. The project also seeks to transition educational paradigms towards a competency-based learning model.

Funding and Scope

The partnership is anchored by significant funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting economic opportunities in North Carolina's rural and tobacco-dependent regions. Of the total $25 million grant, approximately $13 million will be allotted to Marzano Resources to support this ambitious initiative.

Targeted Support for Low-Performing Schools

The primary focus of this initiative is on ten low-income schools identified for historically low performance in mathematics. Marzano Resources plans to provide substantial on-site services tailored to enhance educational processes and cultivate a robust culture of mathematical learning. Each participating school will begin with a thorough needs assessment to develop a customized improvement plan, which will guide their strategies over the coming years.

Key components of this program include:

• - Coaching Academy: Schools will participate in six learning sessions each year, alongside around 20 days of on-site coaching from Marzano experts, aimed at aligning their practices with the High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework. The ultimate objective is for these schools to achieve HRS certification, a benchmark for educational excellence.
• - Coordination with Curricular Vendors: In partnership with the NC DPI, Marzano Resources will ensure the smooth integration of new curricular resources tailored to the needs of each school, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.

Advancing Competency-Based Education

In addition to supporting struggling schools, the initiative will also cater to schools that are not currently classified as low-performing but are eager to transition to a competency-based educational model. These institutions will have access to a customized version of the Marzano Mastery Approaches plan, providing resources and support to effectively implement this progressive educational approach.

Further benefits for these schools include:

• - Comprehensive Resource Bank: A wide variety of materials will be made available, ensuring that educators can tailor their strategies to the specific needs of their students.
• - Ongoing Coaching Support: Marzano Resources will provide additional on-site coaching to assist schools in the effective application of their competency-based approaches, fostering a sustainable learning environment.

A Collaborative Effort

Annual in-person sessions will be arranged for all participating schools, allowing for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking among educators. This aspect of the program is crucial, as it fosters a community of practice that encourages educators to learn from each other’s experiences and strategies.

Commitment to Change

Terri Martin, president of Marzano Resources, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are honored to collaborate with the NC Department of Public Instruction and the Golden LEAF Foundation to foster meaningful educational change across North Carolina. Our aim is to equip educators with evidence-based strategies that improve math outcomes and transition schools toward a promising competency-based learning model beneficial for all students."

About Marzano Resources

Marzano Resources, formerly known as Marzano Research, has been a pivotal force in K-12 education, focusing on enhancing student achievement through research-informed practices. With a legacy rooted in Dr. Robert J. Marzano’s extensive educational research over the last 50 years, the organization provides educators with a wealth of resources, including customizable professional development, educational events, and online learning opportunities.

This collaboration signifies a pivotal step toward transforming the educational landscape in North Carolina, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in their academic pursuits and beyond.