Check out the short welcome from coaching coordinator, Angela Dick.

Coaches provide direct assistance for analyzing student work samples and assessment data. This can be done with individuals and teams of teachers during the PLC process.

Assessment coordination is provided by instructional coaches at the building level. The Assessment & Demographics department provides technical assistance to all testing coordinators.

In a partnership approach, coaches work with teachers to identify specific goals based on data. Coaches then conduct classroom observations, tracking data from both the teacher and students. After the observation, coaches schedule a learning focused conversation with the teacher who was observed.

Problem solving can happen at any time. Coaches assist individuals and teams throughout the problem solving process. Coaches use research and extensive knowledge and skills to assist with problem solving.

In a collaborative manner, coaches work with teachers to plan lessons, and then implement these lessons in the classroom. Coaches use co-planning and co-teaching as a way to model effective lesson planning and thinking models, as well as effective instruction and management techniques.

Instructional coaches work with teachers to identify specific techniques for management and instruction that will be modeled live in the classroom. The classroom teacher observes the coach, taking notes in preparation for a follow up learning focused conversation.

Coaches provide direct support for new teachers - novice or new to the building:

• Design/facilitate monthly support meetings for novice, 2nd year, and new to the building staff (with assistance from administrators and identified mentors)

• Enter monthly meetings on Frontline, print sign in sheets, send to Ms. Young

• Engage novice and 2nd year teachers in the coaching cycle at a minimum of once per quarter

• Professional development support

Instructional coaching is job-embedded professional development for teachers and teams of teachers. In addition to this type of professional learning, coaches engage staff in professional development sessions, book studies, and may help facilitate or support the PLC process. Professional development may include both in-person and video based sessions.