Coaching Techniques: Accountability

Jim Knight: The Impact Cycle (Chapter 5: Improve)

Core Concept: "The Improve Stage" Knight argues that coaching is just "nice conversation" unless we measure impact. Accountability happens in the Improve Stage, where we check if the goal was met.

• The Move: We measure progress toward a PEERS Goal (Powerful, Easy, Emotionally Compelling, Reachable, Student-focused).

• The Check: If the goal wasn't met, we don't blame the teacher. We adjust the strategy. This makes accountability safe because it is about experimentation, not evaluation.

"Data helps us see if what we are doing is working. Without data, we are just guessing." — Jim Knight

Diane Sweeney: Student-Centered Coaching: The Moves 

Core Concept: "Results-Based Accountability" Sweeney flips the script: The teacher isn't accountable to the coach; both the teacher and coach are accountable to the Student.

• The Move: We don't ask, "Did you use the strategy?" (Teacher Behavior). We ask, "Did the students learn?" (Student Evidence).

• The Result: This removes the "Gotcha" feeling. If the students didn't learn, we (the team) need to try again.

"The goal isn't to coach the teacher; the goal is to improve student learning." — Diane Sweeney

Elena Aguilar: Onward (Chapter 12: Celebration & Appreciation)  

Core Concept: "Celebrating Wins" Granite specifically lists "Celebrate Wins" as an accountability technique. Aguilar explains why: Celebration builds resilience.

• The Move: Accountability is exhausting. To sustain high expectations, a coach must ruthlessly identify and celebrate small wins.

• The Trap: Focusing only on the "Gap" (what we didn't do) leads to burnout. Focusing on the "Gain" (what we achieved) leads to momentum.

"Celebration is not a luxury. It is an essential component of resilience and sustained effort." — Elena Aguilar