The Power of Instructional Coaching in Context A Systems View for Aligning Content and Coaching

From nationally known experts, this book provides guidance for leveraging the power of instructional coaching and helping coaching programs succeed. It addresses the crucial importance of developing practices that align instructional goals (content) with school, district, and community factors that influence the work of K–12 teachers and coaches (context). The authors present a framework and practical tools for embedding coaching into the fabric of school life, in service of creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. Instructive features throughout the chapters include Framing Questions, Voices from the Field vignettes, Stop and Reflect opportunities, and Reflection Activities and Questions. Reproducible planning forms can be copied from the book or downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.
 

Jacy Ippolito, EdD, is Professor of literacy and leadership in the McKeown School of Education at Salem State University in Massachusetts, where he currently codirects graduate programs in Educational Leadership and is the cofounder and coleader of the Center for Educational Leadership. Prior to joining Salem State, Dr. Ippolito was a middle-school reading specialist, drama teacher, and literacy coach. His research, teaching, and consulting focus on the intersection of coaching, leadership, adolescent/disciplinary literacy, and school reform. He is the author of numerous journal articles and books.
 
Rita M. Bean, PhD, is Professor Emerita in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the university, she taught at the elementary school level and served as a reading supervisor for grades K–12. Dr. Bean has published numerous articles, book chapters, and books on topics including professional learning and the role of reading specialists and literacy coaches. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame and a former board member of the International Literacy Association. Dr. Bean is a recipient of the University of Pittsburgh’s Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award and Distinguished Service Award, among other honors.
 

I. Introduction
1. Content and Context Matter: Coaching Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum
2. Seeing the Systems at Work in Schools: The First Step to Building and Sustaining a Culture of Coaching
II. The Content of Coaching
3. The Instructional Core: Identifying the What and Why of Coaching
4. Supporting the Implementation and Sustainability of the Instructional Core
III. Coaching Programs and Processes
5. Designing a Coaching Program That Works for Your School and District
6. Defining Roles and Responsibilities to Support Coaching Programs and Processes
7. Differentiating Coaching Moves to Support Coaching Programs and Processes
IV. The Context of Coaching
8. Stepping Back to See the Bigger Picture
9. District, School, and Community Levers to Support the Context of Coaching
10. Sustaining a Healthy System for Coaching: The Need for Support and Pressure
11. A Final Note: Why the Content and Coaching in Context Framework Matters for Coaches and Schools
Appendices
References
Index