#United States #North Carolina #Centennial #Golden LEAF #Marzano Resources

Marzano Resources to Drive Educational Innovation in North Carolina's Middle Schools

Marzano Resources has proudly announced its significant involvement in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a groundbreaking five-year initiative with a budget of $25 million funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation. This program is designed to enhance academic performance and career readiness across 15 middle schools in North Carolina, particularly in rural areas facing economic challenges. The focus lies on innovative, research-informed strategies, specifically tailored to improve mathematics instruction and create student-oriented learning environments.

In partnership with the Golden LEAF Foundation and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), Marzano Resources will implement its acclaimed High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework. This framework offers a strategic approach to school improvement by emphasizing safe and supportive educational settings, effective instructional practices, and student competency-based learning.

Dr. Terri Martin, President of Marzano Resources, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with the Golden LEAF Foundation and NCDPI to assist schools in evolving toward competency-based and High Reliability Schools. Our mission is to help educators foster systems that prioritize student success, and we are eager to collaborate to cultivate learning environments where both students and educators can thrive."

The Importance of the Initiative

The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative represents a critical first step toward realizing the vision of making North Carolina’s public schools the best nationwide. According to North Carolina state superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green, investing in middle school mathematics education—especially in underserved rural communities—helps lay a solid foundation for every student’s future in college, careers, and active community participation.

Adding to this sentiment, Scott T. Hamilton, President and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation, highlighted, "Our investment in middle schools through these research-based strategies and robust support is not just about improving academic performance in key areas like mathematics; it is about fostering career readiness and bolstering the long-term economic health of rural communities in North Carolina."

Organizing for Success

The 15 schools selected for the initiative have been grouped into two distinct cohorts based on their readiness for transformation:

Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort

This group of 10 schools will adopt the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework along with the Open Up Resources problem-based math curriculum. By engaging in extensive coaching and receiving support from Marzano Resources, these institutions will cultivate sustainable systems for lasting success. The TS cohort includes:

• - Bertie Middle School (Bertie County Schools)
• - Carver Middle School (Scotland County Schools)
• - Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School (Lenoir County Public Schools)
• - East Alexander Middle School (Alexander County Schools)
• - East Rutherford Middle School (Rutherford County Schools)
• - Harnett Central Middle School (Harnett County Schools)
• - Northern Middle School (Person County Schools)
• - Union Middle School (Sampson County Schools)
• - Warren County Middle School (Warren County Schools)
• - West Lee Middle School (Lee County Schools)

Personalized, Competency-Based Education (PCBE) Cohort

This group of five schools—already demonstrating a readiness for innovative practices—will gain support as they transition to competency-based education that aligns learning with individual student needs and progress. The PCBE cohort includes:

• - Dunn Middle School (Harnett County Schools)
• - Hayesville Middle School (Clay County Schools)
• - Swain County Middle School (Swain County Schools)
• - SanLee Middle School (Lee County Schools)
• - Waynesville Middle School (Haywood County Schools)

Comprehensive Support for Long-Term Change

Each school selected for the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative has successfully navigated a thorough application and interview procedure led by district leaders and principals. These schools will benefit from a tailored support package that encompasses:

• - On-site coaching from specialists at Marzano Resources
• - Implementation and coaching on the new mathematics curriculum
• - Career readiness resources
• - Funding for professional development, travel expenses, stipends, and bonuses for educators

Looking Ahead

This initiative marks the beginning of an exciting and transformative partnership between Marzano Resources, the Golden LEAF Foundation, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. With the launch of the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, North Carolina is poised to enter a new chapter in education that embraces a focused, research-driven strategy aimed at elevating student achievements and fostering excellence across the state.

Dr. Philip B. Warrick, Senior Associate at Marzano Resources, stated, "We are honored to collaborate with the devoted educators and leaders in North Carolina as we build capacity and enact sustainable change. The High Reliability Schools framework provides the structure necessary to enhance instructional quality, promote equity, and ultimately improve outcomes for all students."

About Marzano Resources

Marzano Resources is a reputable provider of educational frameworks, research, and professional development. Grounded in the work of Dr. Robert J. Marzano, the organization strives to assist educators in cultivating environments where every student has access to high-quality instruction and meaningful, personalized learning experiences. The High Reliability Schools model has been successfully implemented in schools nationwide, driving systemic changes and improving educational outcomes.