Marzano Resources to Lead Instructional Transformation in North Carolina Middle Schools Through Golden LEAF Schools Initiative

CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marzano Resources is proud to announce its leadership role in the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a transformative five-year, $25 million program funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation. The initiative aims to improve academic outcomes and career readiness in 15 North Carolina middle schools—particularly in rural and economically challenged communities—by implementing innovative, research-based strategies with a focus on mathematics instruction and student-centered learning environments.

In partnership with the Golden LEAF Foundation and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), Marzano Resources brings its nationally recognized High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework to the forefront of school improvement efforts. The HRS framework provides a cohesive pathway for school transformation through a focus on safe and supportive environments, effective teaching practices, and competency-based student learning.

Marzano Resources President, Dr. Terri Martin writes, "We are thrilled to partner with the Golden LEAF Foundation and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to support schools on their journeys as they strive to become competency-based and High Reliability Schools. We are passionate about helping educators build systems that prioritize student success and look forward to working as a team to create learning environments where students and educators thrive."

Powerful First Steps

"The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative is a powerful first step toward our goal of ensuring that North Carolina's public schools are the best in the nation," said North Carolina state superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. "By investing in middle school math instruction—especially in our rural and economically challenged communities—we are building a foundation that prepares every student for college, careers and lifelong community engagement."

Scott T. Hamilton, president and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation, added, "By investing in middle schools through research-based strategies and intensive support, we are not only strengthening academic achievement in critical areas like math but laying the groundwork for career readiness and long-term economic vitality in North Carolina's rural communities."

A Framework for Excellence and Equity

The 15 selected middle schools are divided into two cohorts based on their readiness for transformation:

• Transformative Schools (TS) Cohort: These 10 schools will implement the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework alongside the Open Up Resources problem-based math curriculum. Through intensive coaching and support from Marzano Resources, schools will develop systems and strategies for long-term success.
  
  TS Cohort Schools:
  
  
  • 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: These five schools, already demonstrating readiness for innovation, will receive support in shifting to competency-based education (CBE), aligning learning with the needs and pace of individual students.
  
  PCBE Cohort Schools:
  
  
  • 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)

Deep Support for Sustainable Change

Schools selected for the initiative underwent a rigorous application and interview process involving district leaders and principals. Each school will receive a customized package of support including:

• On-site coaching from Marzano Resources experts
  
  
• Math curriculum implementation and coaching
  
  
• Career readiness resources
  
  
• Funding for professional learning, travel, stipends, and bonuses

Let the Work Begin

This marks the exciting dawn of a transformative partnership between Marzano Resources, the Golden LEAF Foundation, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. As the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative launches, the state stands poised on the brink of a new era in education, with a focused, research-driven approach promising to elevate student success and propel North Carolina toward academic excellence.

"We are honored to collaborate with North Carolina's educators and school leaders to build capacity and create sustainable change," said Dr. Philip B. Warrick, senior associate at Marzano Resources. "The High Reliability Schools framework provides the structure and support needed to elevate instructional quality, promote equity, and ultimately improve outcomes for all students."

About Marzano Resources

Marzano Resources is a trusted provider of educational frameworks, research, and professional development. Built on the work of Dr. Robert J. Marzano, the organization helps educators create systems that ensure every student receives high-quality instruction and has access to personalized, meaningful learning experiences. The High Reliability Schools model has been implemented successfully in schools across the country to drive systemic change and improve outcomes.

SOURCE Marzano Resources