FAQs: The Impact Cycle

What is an "impact cycle"? 

Doing an impact cycle with a coach is just one of many ways to access instructional coaching at ETHS. It is one of the most researched ways that coaching can lead to a BIG, positive impact on students' learning and well-being. A cycle involves meeting one on one with a coach to do three things: 1) Assess the current reality and identify a powerful, student-focused instructional goal 2) Learn strategies targeted to that goal and 3) Monitor and celebrate improvement as it happens. During the initial meeting, the coach will explain each step of the process and answer all questions. A typical impact cycle can last 6-8 weeks. 

This sounds time-consuming... how will I have time for this?

We know firsthand how busy teachers are! Instructional coaches work with YOUR schedule on YOUR time. The coach will collaborate with you to make sure meetings fit comfortably into your schedule.

How will the coach "assess the current reality"? 

There are many ways to do this! It is common for the coach to observe instruction during all steps of the cycle, but there are other possibilities as well. The coach will explain all the options during the initial meeting. No matter what, all work with a coach is confidential and non-evaluative.

You say this is confidential, but I don't have a private classroom/office to meet in... where can we meet?

Good question! We will meet wherever you are comfortable. We have private offices in S-131 or we can come to a location of your choice.

What research supports this approach?

The "impact cycle" is the result of decades of research by Jim Knight, one of the country's leaders in instructional coaching. Instructional coaching at ETHS utilizes many of the strategies outlined in Knights books The Impact Cycle (2018) and High-Impact Instruction (2013) as well as other current leaders in instructional research.