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Coaching Roles Description

Purpose: To engage teachers in reflective thinking while looking at their own instructional practices critically and analytically.

Practices include, but are not limited to:

Fostering a safe, trusting environment for teachers

Introducing alternatives and refinements for teacher instructional practices

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READ - BCSD Instructional Coach Handbook (linked below)

DISCUSS - Discuss the roles of an instructional coach and tasks NOT included in the coaching role (on page 4).

DO - Share with your mentor the coaching roles you feel most confident in performing and which coaching roles you may need support in fulfilling.

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READ - Skim the SC Literacy Competencies for Reading Coaches (linked below)

DISCUSS - Discuss the standards, elements, and competencies.

DO - Highlight competencies you feel could be areas of focus for your own personal growth and independent study.

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READ - The Do's and Don'ts for Literacy Coaches: Advice from the Field by Bean & DeFord (linked below)

DISCUSS - Discuss the 1st "Do" -  Introduce yourself and your role (Tell AND Show). What information should you include in your introduction? Why is a formal introduction necessary?

DO - Plan with your mentor how you will introduce yourself to the staff (letter/email, meeting with teachers, etc.)? Introducing yourself along with describing your role and responsibilities will help teachers to envision how they will collaborate with you throughout the school year

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WATCH - What Should a Coach Do in the First Few Weeks of School?
By Diane Sweeney's Team

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What Should a Coach Do in the First Few Weeks of School?

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READ - What Makes a Good Coach? By The Competitive Edge

DISCUSS - "Coaching" is coaching regardless of the subject, sport, discipline, context, etc. This article offers advice to "coaches" of all types from psychologists who have studied the traits of successful coaches. Discuss with your mentor which "tips" resonate the most with you.

DO - Create a list of "Coaching Beliefs" that will provide the foundation for your journey as a Literacy Coach.

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READ - "Status of Faculty" created by Diane Sweeney (linked below)

DISCUSS - Brainstorm ways to find your "in" or "opening" with teachers to establish trusting relationships that will lead to student-centered coaching.

DO - Keep track of the "status" of your coaching work. Continually share with your mentor "status" concerns and celebrations!

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READ - Click on the tab titled "Differences Between Coaching Styles" in the link below.

REFLECT - Read and reflect on the Sweeney's coaching continuum that describes the differences between student-centered, teacher-centered, and relationship-driven coaching.

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Core Practices Overview: Watch the video titled An Introduction to Student-Centered Coaching. As you watch, listen for the Seven Core Practices for Student-Centered Coaching.
Core Practices for Student Centered Coaching

1. Setting goals for coaching cycles

2. Using standards-based learning targets

3. Using student evidence to co-plan instruction

4. Organizing coaching through cycles

5. Co-teaching with a focus on effective instructional practices

6. Measuring the impact of coaching on student and teacher learning

7. Partnering with the school leader

Differences Between Coaching Styles

Read and reflect on the following continuum that describes the differences between student-centered, teacher-centered, and relationship-driven coaching.

More Impact on Students <<<<< ---- >>>>> Less Impact on Students

Role of Relationships

Trusting, respectful, and collegial relationships are a necessary component for all forms of coaching.

© Sweeney (Corwin Press, 2013). All rights reserved.

Core Practice #1: Setting Goals for Coaching Cycles
The coach and teacher articulate what they hope the students will learn as a result of their partnership. Choosing a goal that begins with, "Students will..." ensures that we are student-centered. Goals may focus on the standards, student engagement, or behavior.
What it Looks/Sounds Like

Student performance data may drive the goal-setting process

Coach helps the teacher understand that coaching is about a goal for student (rather than teacher) learning

Keeps the coaching cycle focused on what matters

Helps coaches measure their impact

Student Engagement Goals

Students will regularly contribute when working in small groups.

Students will use strategies for productive dialogue when discussing new learning.

Students will stop and synthesize several times during a course period.

Student Behavior Goals

Students will complete the assigned task.

Students will ask questions when they do not understand the assigned task.

Students will self-evaluate their progress relative to the learning target.

For more, try this: Read and annotate the following goal-setting conversations to identify how the coach moved the teacher towards a student-centered goal.
ELEMENTARY
Coach- I noticed on your survey that you are looking for help setting up guided reading groups. Can you tell me a bit more about this?
Teacher- I came from a different district and we used a strict reading program. I know I'm supposed to be doing guided reading groups, but I'm not sure how. I have all of these books to use, but to be honest, they haven't left the boxes because I'm really not sure what to do with them.
Coach - Let's talk a little bit about your students. How would you describe them as readers?
Teacher - They are across the board like most second graders. Some are reading and others are barely able to recognize common sight words. It's overwhelming.
Coach- What are your hopes for your students as readers? What do you want them to master by the end of the year?
Teacher - I'd really like to see them comprehending whatever they read, no matter what level reader they are. I know that inferring is an important standard, and that is a goal I have for my students.
Coach-That makes a lot of sense. How would you feel about focusing on inferring, and we can do that in the context of guided reading? That way we can work together to set up guided reading groups, dive into your materials, all with a goal in mind that you have for your students. We can even do some pre and post assessing to see if we are on the right track.
Teacher - I love that idea because it feels doable but also like we are taking on something that I'm supposed to be doing.
Coach- Terrific! Our next step will be to figure out how we will pre-assess your students to see how they are doing with inferring, and then we can plan instruction that will incorporate guided reading. Why don't we meet at the same time next week?
Teacher - Thanks!
SECONDARY
Coach- I see that you would like to participate in a coaching cycle. What do you have in mind?
Teacher- To be honest, it's my 3 rd hour algebra class. The kids' behavior is really challenging. I thought you might have some classroom management ideas that could help.
Coach- Let's talk a little bit about that course. What are you working on now in terms of mathematical skills?
Teacher- We are focusing on order of operations. But that's really not what I need help with since I'm following the district math program, and the rest of my classes are doing fine and learning the material. I need help with classroom management.
Coach- OK, I hear you on that. What sort of positive behaviors in your other classes would you like to see in the 3 rd hour.
Teacher- We do a lot of sharing of thinking on the SmartBoard and I'd like to see the kids listening to one another and asking questions to clarify their own thinking. I'd like to see them treating each other with more respect. And, I'd like to be sure that they take responsibility to learn the material.
Coach- It sounds like a big goal for this class would be being learners that are accountable for their own learning as well as the learning of others.
Teacher- Yeah, I guess so.
Coach- How about if we focus on those behaviors with the class? The ideas you listed were a great start on a rubric we could design, maybe even with the kids, that would be how we would assess their progress. Then at the end of our coaching cycle, we can see how they've progressed in demonstrating these behaviors.
Teacher- I think it would really help to work with you on this. It sounds like we may come up with some good ideas.
Coach- I agree. We'll get started when we meet in a few days.
Core Practice #2: Create Standards-Based Learning Targets
After a goal is identified, it is unpacked into student-friendly learning targets so that the teacher and coach understand what the students should know and be able to do.
What it Looks/Sounds Like
A learning target is...

A goal for students

Derived from standards

Written in concrete, student-friendly language

Tracked by students and teachers to assess growth and achievement

About learning, not a task

Easily measurable

We use the following types of student evidence in coaching cycles:
We don't use the following types of data in coaching cycles:

Summative assessments from the back of the book

Bubble in assessments

Tasks that don't involve reading, writing, or solving problems

Read: Knowing Your Learning Target
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar11/vol68/num06/Knowing-Your-Learning-Target.aspx

Read: Learning Targets on Parade
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct14/vol72/num02/Learning-Targets-on-Parade.aspx
Core Practice #3: Co-Plan with Student Evidence
Sorting student evidence helps a coach and teacher recognize patterns and trends related to student learning. Then, the coach and teacher co-plan instruction that directly focuses on the students' needs.
What it Looks/Sounds Like

Teacher and coach work together to develop a lesson plan

Student evidence or formative assessment data informs the lesson plan

Instruction is differentiated based on the students' needs. Sorting sessions drive differentiation.

Teacher and coach determine how the lesson will be shared through co-teaching.

Sorting Sessions ~ Sorting for Differentiation
Sorting student evidence, such as recent tests, written responses, or other responses, helps a coach and teacher recognize patterns and trends related to student learning in relation to the goal(s). For example, if students are reading a piece of text and asked to write a response, you can sort student work into three piles:

Who was thinking deeply?

Who needs a few more strategies?

Who is not showing evidence of the learning targets?

When sorting student work, make three piles of work that have similar attributes. That way, you are less tempted to not only celebrate the masterpieces or become consumed by the work that is below par. The process is led by the goal(s) for student learning and we use these simple questions to guide the process.

How do the student work samples compare to the learning targets we set for students?

What will I do next to address the students' needs?

Download this note taking tool for sorting sessions.
For more, try this...
Watch: Video of a Sorting Session
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JifVup0Gl4
Core Practice #4: Utilize Coaching Cycles
Coaching cycles create authentic partnerships that increase student outcomes. In a coaching cycle, the teacher and coach are both in the mix, reflecting on their decision-making, problem solving, and figuring out how to adjust instruction in the moment.
What it Looks/Sounds Like

4-6 weeks in elementary, 3-4 weeks in secondary

1-3 times per week in the classroom during instructional time

1 weekly planning conversation that is scheduled and lasts 30-45 minutes

Qualities of Coaching Cycles:
Components of Coaching Cycles:

4-6 weeks long in elementary, 3-4 weeks long in secondary

1-3 times per week in the classroom during instructional time

1 weekly planning conversation (35-45 minutes long)

For more, try this...
Read: Getting to 60% (Parts 1-3) by Diane Sweeney
https://dianesweeney.com/getting-to-60-percent-1-of-3/
Core Practice #5: Co-Teach Using Effective Instructional Practices
Co-teaching creates authentic partnerships. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, the coach and teacher are in the mix, reflecting on their decision-making, problem solving, and figuring out how to adjust instruction in the moment.
What it Looks/Sounds Like

Coaching Move

Description

Purpose

Noticing and Naming

Point out examples or non-examples of students' learning. Note the things you are hearing, what the students are saying, what you see the students writing. The focus is on how the students are demonstrating their current understanding in relation to the learning targets.

Surfaces what the students are doing to inform planning conversations with the teacher. Establishes a focus on student learning.

Thinking Aloud

The coach thinks aloud throughout the lesson so the teacher understands the thinking behind the instructional moves. For example, why did the coach choose this text? How will the coach model a particular method of problem solving? What did the coach notice during the conference?

Provides a learning experience for the teacher throughout instructional delivery. Also provides the coach with more opportunity to address coachable moments right then, rather than saving them for a future planning conversation.

Teaching in Tandem

Maintain close proximity with the teacher and provide your thinking about the instructional decision-making as it occurs. This may include real-time problem-solving, discussion about how to redirect students, and/or discussion about pacing, modeling, or delivery of instruction.

Makes it easier to tap into 'coachable moments'. However, it is important to align teaching in tandem with the goals that were identified by the teacher. Otherwise, it could feel evaluative and/or judgmental. It could also highlight an effective practice the teacher is currently doing.

You Pick Four

The teacher chooses four students to monitor across the instructional block(s). Rather than leading the students through small group instruction, the coach studies the students to provide additional insights to the teacher. This information is used during the planning session.

Creates an opportunity for the teacher to have 'eyes in the back of her head'. Provides a more dynamic sense of student learning as it relates to the instruction and learning targets. Informs planning conversations with the teacher.

Micro Modeling

The coach teaches the lesson while the teacher observes. Ideally the teacher focuses on the instructional moves and the impact the instruction had on student learning. The coach may provide the teacher with a note taking tool that includes both areas.

Provides the teacher with a vision for instructional delivery. It can also create an opportunity to dialogue around how instructional moves moved student learning forward. Modeling can take place during a segment of the instructional block rather than across a whole lesson.

For more, try this...
Watch: Video of co-teaching in action. Look for evidence of the coaching moves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaz1xGQ8e9w (begin @ minute 38)
Core Practice #6: Measure the Impact on Student & Teacher Learning
The coach continually asks, 'Did it work? Are we showing growth? Where should we go next?' By documenting their impact, coaches are able to validate coaching and engage more teachers.
What it Looks/Sounds Like
Watch: Video of a Coach Reflecting the Results-Based Coaching Tool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KZgyuEdmZU
Core Practice #7: Partner with the School Leader
The coach and school leader work together to define their respective roles. They work together across the year to design plans that focus on student and teacher learning and growth.
What it Looks/Sounds Like
Coach and school leader meet together on a regular basis in order to:

Solicit teacher feedback to plan professional development

Use the School Improvement Plan to drive coaching and collaboration

Analyze student data to look for trends across the school

Plan how to encourage teachers to engage in coaching cycles and celebrate those who do.

Leading Coaching

School Leadership

Coach

Sets high expectations for teacher and student learning.

Provides support to teachers so they can meet the expectations that have been established by the school leadership.

Holds teachers accountable for meeting the needs of the students.

Organizes coaching so that it aligns with the accountability measures that are in place.

Establishes a vision and sets priorities for how to move student learning forward.

Prioritizes work that has the most potential to impact student learning.

Makes strategic use of the coach to move teacher learning forward.

Articulates his/her role as a coach and engages teachers in the coaching process.

Leads the decision making about the scope and breadth of the,content that is taught.

Helps teachers design instruction that aligns with expectations about the content that is taught.

Knows what high quality instruction looks like and sets the expectation that this is the norm throughout the school.

Skillfully supports teachers to implement high quality instruction.

Is aware of situations when students are underperforming and works to address the issue.

Works with teachers across all levels of,performance.

Spends time in classrooms and provides teachers with feedback as a result of the observations.

Spends time in classrooms to support the,delivery of effective instruction.

Creates the structure and time for teachers to collaborate with each other and the coach.

Designs and facilitates collaboration among,teachers.

For more, try this...
Read: 8 Forces for Leaders of Change by Fullen, Cuttress & Kilcher
https://artseducator20.wikispaces.com/file/view/fullan_cuttress_kilcher.pdf

Read: Pave the Way for Coaches by Heineke & Polnick
http://learningforward.org/docs/default-source/jsd-june-2013/heineke343.pdf

Read: Not All Pressure is Positive Pressure by Diane Sweeney
https://dianesweeney.com/not-pressure-positive-pressure/

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Student-Centered Coaching Tool Kit > Diane Sweeney

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Core Practices Overview: Watch the video titled An Introduction to Student-Centered Coaching. As you watch, listen for the Seven Core Practices for Student-Centered Coaching.

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READ - Killion's Chapter 9: Principal-Coach Relationships (linked below)
- AND -
Diane Sweeney's Blog Post titled 3 Moves for Leading Coaching Efforts
Link - https://dianesweeney.com/3-moves-for-leading-a-coaching-effort/
TOOLKIT Core Practice #7
https://dianesweeney.com/student-centered-coaching-tool-kit/

DISCUSS - Discuss the importance of the "Partnership Agreement" and "Agreement of Confidentiality."

DO - Plan with your mentor how/when you will approach a "Partnership Agreement" with your principal. What topics will be important to specifically address/discuss with your principal?

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READ - "Your 1st 30 Days as a Literacy Coach" as a simple way to get started on your new journey as a Literacy Coach.

DISCUSS - Discuss your top priorities during the first 30 days. Also, discuss other priority areas that may need to be taken into consideration.