Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction

Instructional coaching focuses on research-based instructional strategies that can have the biggest impact in improving a teacherÆs practice. Jim Knight has worked as a trainer, developer, and researcher in instructional coaching for many years and has broad experience not only training coaches but also collecting data about the effects of his coaching program. In this book, the author explains the essential coaching skills that instructional coaches need to develop, including listening, observing, modeling, and collaborating. Along with coaching skills and knowledge, this book provides guidance for leveraging instructional interventions that form the foundation of effective instructional practice. First person stories and quotes from coaches working in the trenches provide readers with a realistic picture of the responsibilities, challenges, and joys of coaching. This user- friendly resource also contains chapter organizers, resources for deeper learning, forms, worksheets, checklists, logs, reports, and all the other tools coaches and would-be coaches need. This book is perfect for coaches and aspiring coaches along with the staff developers, trainers, teacher leaders, principals, and other educators who work with coaches and oversee coaching programs.

Teachers helping teachers is a great way to create a powerful instructional staff. Knight has included very practical and useful tools to help teachers achieve excellence.-Dale E. Moxley, Principal, Round Lake Elementary School, Mount Dora, FLProvides valuable insight for mentors who are in the field working daily with novice teachers.J. Helen Perkins, Assistant Professor, The University of MemphisAn innovative professional development strategy that facilitates change, improves instruction, and transforms school culture

Instructional coaching, a research-based, job-embedded approach to instructional intervention, provides the assistance and encouragement necessary to implement new programs that improve student learning. The product of more than eight years of study, this approach to professional development has been proven to help schools respond to the pressures of accountability and reform.

Experienced trainer, developer, and researcher Jim Knight describes the nuts and bolts of instructional coaching and explains the essential skills that instructional coaches need, including getting teachers on board, providing model lessons, observing teachers, and engaging in reflective conversations. Each user-friendly chapter includes: First-person stories from successful coachesSidebars highlighting important information A Going Deeper section of suggested resourcesForms, worksheets, checklists, logs, reports, and other ready-to-use toolsA short summary of the main chapter points

This book is perfect for coaches, aspiring coaches, as well as the staff developers, trainers, teacher leaders, principals, and other educators who work with coaches and oversee coachingprograms.

The author describes the practical details of instructional coaching and provides all the tools needed to easily implement job-embedded instructional intervention.