Getting Started - Initial Implementation Phase

Professional Development

Continuously review and make any needed changes to the professional development plan. Use educator feedback and data to inform the topics and training. 

Data Collection and Analysis

Each phase includes data collection and analysis. During this initial implementation phase, ensure there is a data collection process in place. It is critical to collect data (informal and formal) to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities and initiatives being implemented. Use this information to make adjustments and improvements to this work. 

Continuous Communication

At this phase, activities, programming, and outreach have started. It is critical to communicate the progress of this work with all stakeholders. Review, revise, and update the communication plan as needed. 

CSMH Coaching

Coaching support is crucial for the success of school change initiatives, as it provides individuals with the guidance, feedback, and encouragement they need to navigate and implement new practices effectively. Comprehensive School Mental Health coaching can provide customizable education, consultation, and technical assistance that focuses on implementing the multiple components within the CSMH Framework. The goal is to focus on and demonstrate how to integrate social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and mental health support within existing systems (MTSS) to improve adult and student success. Coaching results in educators feeling confident, supported, and able to implement the strategies, skills, and practices aligned with the CSMH Framework. Here are strategies for building CSMH coaching support.

• Identify Coaches: It can be helpful to identify coaches within the school community and coaches with specific areas of expertise outside the school community. 

• Provide Professional Development and Training for Coaches: To ensure all coaches deeply understand the CSMH Framework (and its components), provide comprehensive training. Additionally, coaches will benefit from training to enhance their coaching skills, including communication, feedback, and mentoring strategies.

• Clarify Coaching Roles: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of coaches, outlining expectations for their involvement in each phase of implementation. Each building may be targeting different areas, so it is essential that coaches have support in how to differentiate their strategies. 

  • 🔗Link to CSMH Coaching Activities Handout:  The handout offers ideas on various activities/roles for CSMH coaches. 

• Establish a Coaching Framework: Develop a structured coaching framework that outlines and communicates the purpose, goals, and coaching processes.

  • Integration with Professional Learning Communities: Align coaching efforts with existing professional learning communities (PLCs) or establish new collaborative groups to foster shared learning and support.

  • Regular meetings with Coaches: Bring coaches together to discuss what is working and the challenges they are experiencing.  Share success stories and best practices resulting from effective coaching. Promote a culture of reflection among coaches and use reflections and/or surveys to inform continuous improvement in coaching methods and strategies.

• Establish Regular Coaching Sessions: Integrate CSMH coaching into the school and learning environment. Set up regular coaching sessions between coaches, educators, and/or teams involved in this work. Consistent and ongoing coaching fosters a culture where educators feel comfortable seeking peer guidance and support. Coaches can also co-teach, allowing the coach to model strategies and activities.

• Evaluate and Adjust Coaching Programs: Data needs to be collected and reviewed specific to the coaching supports provided. Implement regular evaluations of the coaching program to assess its effectiveness. Use evaluation results to adjust the coaching program and improve its impact.

Building coaching support is an ongoing process that requires careful planning, effective training, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By establishing a strong coaching infrastructure, schools can enhance the capacity of individuals and teams to navigate and implement CSMH initiatives successfully.

• • • 🔗Link to additional information on CSMH Coaching