The Power of Student-Centered Coaching
Presented by: Diane Sweeney
@SweeneyDiane

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

Student-Centered Coaching applies to:

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

Student Proficiency from Coaching Cycles

87% of Teachers Reported Some or Strong Growth In...

How Student-Centered Coaching Compares with Other Coaching Models

Teacher-centered coaching focuses on what the teacher is, or is not, doing and addresses it through coaching.

Relationship-driven coaching focuses on providing support to teachers in a way that doesn't challenge or threaten them.

Let's take a closer look at Student-Centered Coaching

Role: The coach partners with teachers to design learning that is based on a goal for students.

Focus: Using data and student work to analyze progress and collaborate to make informed decisions about instruction that is differentiated and needs-based.

Use of Data: Formative assessment data and student work are used to determine how to design instruction.

Materials: Textbooks, technology, and curricular programs are viewed as tools for learning.

Perception: The coach is viewed as a partner who is there to support teachers to move students towards mastery of the standards.

Role of Relationships: Trusting, respectful, and collegial relationships are a foundation for student-centered coaching.

Core Practices for Student-Centered Coaching

• Utilize coaching cycles
• Set a standards-based goal
• Unpack the goal into learning targets
• Co-plan using student evidence

Core Practices for Student-Centered Coaching,

• Co-teach with a focus on effective instructional practice
• Measure impact based on teacher & student learning
• Partner with the school leader

Student-Centered Coaching in Action

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Shift the Focus to SCC

• Define why coaching matters
• Communicate how coaching aligns with other initiatives
• Share the coach's role
• Set expectations for participation
• Provide choice & ownership to teachers

For More Information
www.dianesweeney.com
@SweeneyDiane