Instructional Coaching Data: How to Identify and Solve School-Wide Problems

If instructional coaches keep reteaching the same priority skills, that is not a coincidence. It is a system signal. This post explores how to analyze coaching data trends, diagnose root causes, and move from isolated teacher support to school-wide solutions.
Student Engagement: A Mirror, Not a Magic Fix

In my previous blog, I argued that vaguely instructing teachers to ‘increase student engagement’ isn’t helpful feedback. This week, after a few classroom observations, I realized something else: sometimes what we call an engagement problem isn’t just about engagement.
Stop Saying “Increase Student Engagement”

“Let’s all work to increase student engagement so that students can own their learning!” has been a collective rallying cry for a while now. But, if we are making it a priority and going so far as to add it to lesson planning requirements , why isn’t it translating to classroom practice or higher student outcomes? I’ve realized that giving general feedback to “increase student engagement” just isn’t good practice. Here are some feedback strategies that will get you the results you want to see.
Success Criteria: 2 Questions to Make This Process Feel Less Like Rocket Science

There has been a sudden interest and requirement for teachers to post success criteria for lessons. These two words paired together have set the current educational world on fire, but many teachers are left wondering: what IS success criteria exactly, and why do my students need to know what it is?
Start Strong: 4 Power Moves Every Instructional Coach Needs in August/September

Where should instructional leaders start at the beginning of the school year? Should there be a specific structure or rhythm to begin their coaching and support? While there are no scientifically proven answers to those questions, our team has learned firsthand some instructional leadership moves that make a massive difference in learning outcomes. Here are our top four recommendations.