Don Marlett
Don has been an educator for 20+ years. Before joining Learning-Focused, he taught High School and Middle School Science and was a school administrator. Don has participated in school evaluations focused on implementing High-Yield Strategies. In addition, he partnered with various state DOEs to support leaders and presented at numerous conferences hosted by multiple leadership organizations in Florida, NC, Ohio, WV, TN, and KY. Don leads product development, provides leadership training and coaching, and coaches educators in the implementation of High-Yield strategies.
A few weeks ago, I walked into a math classroom and immediately ran into a pair of students sitting on the floor by the door. I quickly realized that the teacher had pairs of students all around the room. Each pair of students used flashcards to test each other’s multiplication facts. This brought memories of…
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Not long ago, I visited a middle school where one of the school improvement goals was to improve formative assessments. During a classroom visit, I asked a teacher how she used formative assessments. She pointed to a quiz students were finishing and said, “Here’s my formative assessment for the week.” Clearly, she cared deeply about…
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The words we choose as educational leaders shape more than just conversations – they mold school culture, influence teacher innovation, and ultimately impact student success. I want to explore a subtle yet powerful shift in leadership language that can transform your school’s collaborative environment: moving from “yes, but” to “yes, and” thinking. The Hidden Cost…
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing teaching and learning in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. But how can educators harness this technology effectively while maintaining their essential role in the classroom? This comprehensive “AI for Teachers” guide will walk you through a practical, step-by-step approach to integrating AI into your…
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Ah, meetings! The bane of every principal’s existence, right? Wrong! We’re about to turn your dreaded meetings into productivity powerhouses with —dare I say it—a side of laughter. Dad jokes and cringeworthy puns aside, staff morale is at an all-time low. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Below are three pro tips for effective staff…
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In corporate leadership, The CEO Test is a book that has become a cornerstone for executives navigating complex challenges. It offers practical insights into essential qualities and skills for leading organizations effectively. While the corporate sector and world of education differ significantly, school leaders face equally demanding challenges. As a school leader, you are tasked…
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Walk into any classroom where teachers are implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) with fidelity, and you’ll notice something interesting. While the materials provide an excellent academic foundation, there are still gaps in student engagement and understanding. Some students struggle to connect with the content, while others master surface-level knowledge but stumble when asked to think…
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If you’ve ever wondered how to help students retain more of what they learn, structured review is a proven method that helps students go beyond just “getting it” in the moment. In our years of experience as educators and school partners at Learning-Focused, we’ve seen firsthand how structured review can make a significant difference in…
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In my years of educational leadership, one truth has stood paramount: a school’s success is not built on aspirations. Instead, it is built on systems that are shaped by accountability and sustained through deliberate action. Think of a school as a living ecosystem. The school’s systems form the foundation, the school’s culture reflects daily behaviors,…
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In Part 1 of this blog series, we explored the benefits of making mistakes as part of the learning process and how this applies to note-taking. While student mistakes have traditionally been viewed as something to avoid, modern research shows that embracing errors—especially when done deliberately—can significantly boost student engagement and retention. Building on that…
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