Author(s): Barbara Neufield and Dana Roper

Institutional affiliation/Agency/Program: The Aspen Institute Program on Education and The Annenberg Institute for School Reform

Publication date or date of most recent update: June 2003

Number of pages: 38

Website URL: http://www.annenberginstitute.org/pdf/Coaching.pdf

Abstract: Coaching is presented as a strategy that increases the instructional capacity of schools and teachers, thereby holding great promise for program improvement. The emphasis is clearly on K-12 principals and teachers, but the coaching model has strong potential for adult education and literacy programs with the resources and commitment to support it. This paper describes the approach and the challenges involved in implementing coaching strategies.

Research question(s) investigated: (1) What are the potential benefits of coaching? (2) What is coaching and what do coaches do? (3) What kind of preparation is needed? (4) How can coaching be implemented? (5) What significant improvements might be expected?

Sample and methodology (summary): (1) Analysis of longitudinal, qualitative studies done by Education Matters in Boston, Corpus Christi, Louisville, and San Diego and (2) Review of literature

Data collection and analysis procedures (summary): In-depth interviews with coaches and administrators, observation of coaching practices, and review of pertinent documents related to coaches' work - conducted over a 6-year period

Results (summary): Outcomes of coaching: more targeted professional development for teachers and administrators, teacher learning that carries over into the classroom, increased sharing of best practices, high-quality principal leadership, and educational cultures in which improved instructional practices are tied to student impact

What the experts say: Although research still does not exist that clearly establishes the link between coaching, teacher learning, and student outcomes, the authors have found that coaching holds the promise of building learning communities and hence instructional capacity. This resource includes descriptive examples of coaching in practice that illuminate both the challenges and the potential of this professional development approach for creating a culture of continuous program improvement. As the authors readily admit, although the model is highly flexible, there are significant challenges for implementation. Full administrative support, adequate resource provision, and buy-in from all stakeholders are all prerequisites for success.