A Window into Coaching

     Coaching is a powerful tool for learning.  Learning is evident in all stages of a coaching cycle.  

     Student learning occurs and can be seen as their thinking becomes visible.  Teacher learning occurs throughout the collaboration between the instructional coach and the teacher.  Deeper learning for the instructional coach occurs as well.  

     The complete coaching cycle includes planning sessions, co-teaching, modeling, observation, reflecting on data resulting from the instruction, and planning next steps for future instruction. 

     Recently Amy Richardson, the instructional coach for Randolph County High School shared a wonderful experience with a tenth grade social studies teacher, Jennifer Robertson.  Their efforts began while studying and discussing HOW to teach students to use text based evidence when supporting their claims.

     As they began to plan their lesson, they realized it would take at least three days to complete the lesson.        

     After sketching out the first draft of their thinking using the Instructional Strategies Project planning- observational guide, they used the Equip Rubric to ensure that requirements of every dimension were included in the lesson plan. 

     Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Richardson chose to use a graphic organizer to begin the scaffolding necessary for the students to begin practicing using text based evidence to support their claims. 

     For summarizing their findings, the students used the strategy, Somebody Wanted But So, a five finger approach to organize their thoughts.

     At the end of the lesson the students were given an opportunity to take their learning to another level and apply their strategies to use text based evidence to support a claim using a real-world scenario.

    After the lesson, the teachers used the four step process to analyze student work,  assess their learning levels, and plan possible next steps for the students in the next lesson.  
     The students' work was divided into three categories: Ready, Close, Needs Support.  Using data from the student work, Mrs. Richardson and Mrs. Robertson will use their notes to prepare for the next lesson. 

     The instructional coach, Mrs. Richardson,  keeps a reflection journal.  This is her formative assessment of the growth and learning of her teachers she coaches, and is an exceptional exercise in which to self-reflect.  

     Reflection is an important piece of the coaching cycle for both the teacher and the coach.

  

     Learning occurs on all levels during a coaching cycle.  The students learn.  The teacher learns.  The coach learns and grows, too!

It's a win-win-win!  
     Thanks, Randolph County High School!

     How's coaching working in your school?