February 3, 2026 Newsletter

February is often the point in the school year when momentum matters most. The routines are established, the challenges are real, and this is the season where small instructional moves can create meaningful gains for students before spring arrives.

We are highlighting ways to build student belonging and readiness to learn, align daily teaching practices with the Science of Learning, and provide features that are immediately applicable in schools.

This issue explores:

  • The Science of Belonging: How Connection Drives Learning and Reduces Absenteeism
  • Case Study: West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition
  • Driving Improvement by Connecting the Science of Learning with High-Yield Strategies
  • Event Spotlight: Increase Critical Thinking with Writing
  • Product Spotlight: Targeted High Yield Strategy Courses

Enjoy!

@LearningFocused #withLF #learnon

P.S. Check out our Upcoming Events

The Science of Belonging: How Connection Drives Learning and Reduces Absenteeism
The Science of Belonging: How Connection Drives Learning and Reduces Absenteeism

The Science of Belonging: How Connection Drives Learning and Reduces Absenteeism

A sense of belonging is not an add-on, it is a foundation for learning. This article explores practical classroom strategies that help students feel seen, supported, and ready to engage. When belonging is intentionally designed into instruction, it strengthens participation, motivation, and academic growth.

Event Spotlight
Educators collaborating at a Learning-Focused workshop

Build stronger student thinking by teaching writing as a tool for processing ideas, clarifying reasoning, and making learning visible.

Increase Critical Thinking with Writing

February 24, 2026

Learning-Focused Training Center · 200 District Drive Ste 001 · Asheville, NC 28803

When students write, they do more than record answers. They organize thinking, make meaning, and surface misconceptions you can actually respond to.

  • Use short, high-leverage writing prompts to deepen understanding and increase retention.
  • Teach students to explain their thinking using evidence, reasoning, and clear structure.
  • Build simple writing-to-learn routines you can use before, during, and after instruction.

Seating is limited. Register now to reserve your spot.

Case Study: Launching A Statewide Teaching Framework
Case Study: Launching A Statewide Teaching Framework banner
Discover how West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition built a scalable, statewide instructional model that unified teaching practices across diverse facilities while remaining flexible to each location's unique needs. This case study reveals the collaborative leadership strategies and adaptable framework that enabled WVSDT to address critical challenges like geographic spread, real-time instructional refinement, and new teacher onboarding. Learn the proven approaches that can transform instruction in your system, read the full case study now.
Read Full Case Study

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Win a Free Event Registration

Has Learning-Focused had an impact on your teaching or leadership this year? Take a minute to leave us a quick Google review sharing how our tools, PD, or resources have supported you, and you will be entered into a drawing for free attendance to any upcoming Learning-Focused event. Your feedback helps other educators find us and helps us keep improving what we do.

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Strategy Download: Odd One Out
Odd One Out Strategy Example preview
Looking for a simple, high-impact way to activate student thinking? The Odd One Out strategy prompts students to analyze relationships, justify reasoning, and engage in rich discussion. Download this ready-to-use example and try it in your classroom or next professional learning session.
Download PDF
Product Spotlight
Targeted High-Yield Strategy Courses banner

Turn Snow Days into “Growth Days”

Keep progress moving when buildings close

Don’t let the weather stall your school’s progress. When the doors are closed, the digital doors to professional excellence stay open.
Learning-Focused Online helps districts, schools, and teachers turn inclement weather days into high-impact professional learning.

  • Minimize learning loss: Master high-yield strategies that accelerate growth when students return.
  • Maximize time: Use Remote Learning Days or Snow Days to earn PD credit and refine planning.
  • Target specific needs: Choose the exact strategy focus you need most.

“Exemplary schools don't happen by accident. They are the product of deliberate, informed, and consistent efforts.”

View Our Courses
From the Vault: Driving Improvement by Connecting the Science of Learning with High-Yield Strategies
Instructional Leadership for Principals: Connect the Science of Learning with High Yield Strategies

Instructional Leadership for Principals: Connect the Science of Learning with High Yield Strategies

School improvement accelerates when leaders connect what we know about how students learn with the instructional strategies teachers use every day. This article explores how the Science of Learning aligns with High-Yield Strategies like Activating, Questioning, Writing to Learn, and Distributed Summarizing, and how school leaders can use this connection to drive deeper engagement, stronger instruction, and lasting achievement gains.