Keynote: The Power of Student-Centered Coaching

Where I Started as a Coach

• Harrington Elementary (Denver, CO)
• 470 students
• Grades PK-5
• 98.9% Free and Reduced Lunch
• 62% English Language Learners

My Earliest Coaching Moves

• Share resources
• Model lessons
• Convince others to teach like me

How do you think that went?

Dear Diane...

What I learned...

• It's not a good idea to 'fix' people
• We have to build on strengths, not deficits
• We can make it about the students

Coaching can be...

• Relationship-driven
• Teacher-centered
• Student-centered

Relationship-Driven Coaching: The coach provides support and resources to teachers.

Teacher-Centered Coaching: The coach moves teachers towards implementing a program or set of practices.

Student-Centered Coaching: The coach partners with teachers to design learning that is based on a goal for student learning.

Student-Centered Coaching applies to:

• K-12 schools
• All subjects
• Learning support
• English language learners

Effect Sizes from John Hattie

• Teacher clarity d= 0.75
• Collective efficacy d=1.57
• Formative evaluation d=0.90

Seven Core Practices for Student-Centered Coaching

#1: Coaching Cycles

Coaching Cycles are...

• Approximately 4-6 weeks in duration
• A minimum of one weekly co-planning session
• One to three co-teaching sessions each week
• Can be with individuals, pairs, or small groups

#2: Set Standards- Based Goals

Coaching Cycle Goals are...

• Aligned to the standards
• Clear, focused, and measurable
• Motivating to the teacher and students

#3: Use Learning Targets

Learning Targets are...

• Used throughout the coaching cycle
• Provide a clear success criteria
• Student-friendly
• Rigorous and academically focused

#4: Use Student- Evidence to Co-Plan Lessons

Student Evidence is...

• About continuous formative assessment
• Anecdotal and descriptive
• Referred to before making instructional decisions

#5: Co-Teach Lessons

Co-Teaching Moves

• Noticing and Naming
• Thinking Aloud
• Teaching in Tandem
• You Pick Four
• Micro Modeling

#6: Measure Impact on Teaching & Learning

We Want to Know...

• What the students learned
• What the teacher learned
• What instructional practices are now sustainable

#7: Partner with the Principal

It won't work unless:

• The coach's role is defined
• There is a culture of learning
• The principal and coach are aligned
• There are clear expectations for participation

For More Information
@sweeneydiane

dianesweeney.com