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.
Recently, while cooking with my wife, a simple request for a spoon turned into an unexpected lesson in specificity and purpose. As I reached for the first spoon I saw, my wife’s enthusiastic correction made me realize that not all spoons – or teaching strategies – are created equal. This kitchen epiphany sparked a reflection…
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As educators, we have all encountered students who struggle with traditional testing methods. Many of us have wondered if there is a better way to assess student learning that goes beyond multiple-choice exams. In the immortal words of cartoonists Bob and Tom Thaves (Frank and Ernest), “School is mostly true-false and multiple choice but real…
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Teacher feedback is essential for fostering growth, improvement, and positive change within a school. Feedback leads to better student engagement and learning outcomes by identifying and refining teaching methods, which improves teacher effectiveness. Constructive feedback fosters a positive school environment by boosting teacher morale and communication. Ultimately, investing in teacher feedback enhances student learning by…
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The Learning-Focused Newsletter continues to be an invaluable resource for district personnel, school administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers throughout the academic year and into summer planning. The newsletter’s articles are versatile and useful for incorporating high yield strategies throughout all lessons. The articles can guide collaborative planning, serve as the agenda for team meetings or…
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The world is changing rapidly, and the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the workplace vastly differ from those of the past. Rote memorization and basic recall of facts are no longer enough. Today’s students need to be critical thinkers – able to analyze information, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively. Richard Riley, former…
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Teaching, a profession as challenging as it is rewarding, often places educators in the hot seat, where they must make split-second decisions that can shape their students’ learning outcomes. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about doing so in a way that fosters a conducive environment for learning. At the heart of this is…
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Forget Everything You Know About Note-Taking: Unleash the Power of Deliberate Errors! Imagine a world where making mistakes in class boosts your learning. Sounds crazy, right? Well, a new study suggests that incorporating deliberate errors into your note-taking can be a game-changer. This blog, as well as Part 2 of this mistake-driven learning series, dives…
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When it comes to teaching, the ultimate goal is to ensure students understand new concepts and skills and be able to apply that knowledge in varying contexts long after they’ve left the classroom. However, this ambition brings educators face-to-face with a paradoxical truth illuminated by Nicholas C. Soderstrom and Robert A. Bjork from the University…
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Last year, I visited classrooms with April Shackleford, the principal of Lucama Elementary, recently recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. We walked into a 4th-grade math classroom, and the first thing I noticed were students working in pairs and discussing math problems. As we walked around the classroom, it became clear that students were working…
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The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting yet anxious time, and getting your students started on a positive note is important. Your first impression should be of high energy and excitement about being together, and you want to reinforce your enthusiasm about how and what your new students will be learning…
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