{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"OnYourMark Podcast","title":"Capacity Through Clarity: How Dr. NaTasha Crain Is Strengthening Literacy Systems in Marshall ISD","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1986,"description":"In today’s episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Dr. NaTasha Crain, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Marshall Independent School District in East Texas.\nWith her entire career rooted in East Texas public schools, Dr. Crain shares how her journey from secondary English teacher to elementary principal to district leader—has shaped her belief in strong Tier 1 instruction, aligned systems, and clear expectations for adults.\nMindy and Dr. Crain explore how Marshall ISD is improving literacy outcomes by investing in professional learning, lesson rehearsal, and consistent instructional practices. The conversation also highlights how clarity in communication, thoughtful MTSS systems, and intentional implementation of resources like i-Ready are helping teachers meet students where they are—while ensuring equity across classrooms..\nKey Moments\n01:05 Dr. Crain’s career journey across East Texas public schools\n03:45 From secondary to elementary leadership: lessons learned\n07:32 Improving literacy outcomes through Tier 1 instruction\n09:54 Building teacher capacity through explicit instruction and alignment\n11:10 District-wide PD structure and six-week planning cycles\n12:30 Lesson rehearsal and PLCs as tools for instructional growth\n13:33 Redefining Tier 2 and Tier 3 support through MTSS\n15:30 Using i-Ready diagnostics and stretch goals to close gaps\n17:42 Monitoring fidelity and implementation with clear systems\n20:29 Supporting emergent bilingual learners and early literacy foundations\n24:07 Building a culture of continuous learning through modeling\n27:15 A five-year vision for equity and whole-child success\n28:48 What Dr. Crain is reading: The Craft of Clarity\n30:14 “Paint done”: communicating expectations with precision\nWhy You’ll Love This Episode\nIf you’re focused on literacy improvement, professional learning, or system-wide coherence, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement. Dr. Crain shares how clarity is kind, why Tier 1...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/5NydEFA_qXyiCW0KwnrKe3r-T7cwMW6JrfLozUoHRfY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZjZm/YTE1ZjRlMjNkMDU4/MzI1MTBjZWJkOGU5/M2FiYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}