Educational Discussions: I love coaching

     What is a coach? I bet our first image is some former gym teacher or social studies teacher who put on a hat and whistle and began barking out instructions during practice.
     Those coaches of our past had some similar qualities. In order to be successful they had to have a vision. They were committed. Their teams were disciplined. Their passion was demonstrated by the way their teams performed.
     Those same qualities are shared by effective instructional coaching in educational settings. A good instructional coach  works with administration to establish a common vision for the coach. Instructional coaches are committed to improving curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Instructional coaches are disciplined to reach a standard of excellence. Their example is contagious and should spread among the faculty. No coach can be effective without passion.
     Values guide any coach. Honesty, integrity, determination must be a part of any coaching. Coaches must believe that all on the team (players or students) can get better. All can improve. All can learn.
     Coaches have purpose. They work with their team, the teachers. Coaches may gather resources, co-teach, model, or just brainstorm. An effective coach is an effective resource. An effective coach utilizes a multitude of strategies to fulfill their purpose.
     A coach wants to lead and win. Instructional coaches lead by example. When instructional coaches win, students benefit due to more effective teaching.

Educational Discussions: I Am Naïve

I am naïve! I have been in education for 24 years. I still believe all children can learn, and all children can grow their achievement by 1 grade level each school year.

I am naïve! I believe that the first teacher, the best teacher, the single greatest indicator of academic achievement is the parent.

I am naïve! I believe that instruction matters. Traditional low level instruction will result in traditional low level results. We do NOT need to cover material. We need to explore/inquire/discover the content.

I am naïve! I believe in the “Statue of Liberty kids.” Give me your poor and your huddled masses longing to be free.

I am naïve! I believe in the Jeffersonian principal that a free public education ensures the prosperity

I am naïve! I believe we need to know our students’ readiness levels, interest inventories, and learning profiles as described by Carol Ann Tomlinson.

I am naïve! Words matter. I believe that Webb’s Depth of Knowledge can be a guiding force to challenge our students to think critically.

I am naïve! I believe that Daggett’s Rigor and Relevance Frame can lead to students analyzing real-world problems and creating real-world solutions across disciplines.

I am naïve! I believe that if students explore Big Ideas by answering essential questions through authentic assessments that they will have a rich understanding of content just as Jay McTighe described.

I am naïve! I believe that America, unlike the rest of the western world, should continue to educate everyone!!!!