"A very hands-on approach to helping teachers, parents, students, and the community. Coaches are not only given the theory behind what they do, but also the knowledge of how to implement the research and theory."
-Emme Barnes, Literacy Facilitator
Hawk Ridge Elementary, Charlotte, NC
"This superior text clarifies the responsibilities, qualifications, and capabilities of the coach within and without the school and as a leadership partner."
-Connie Molony, Reading-Language Arts Specialist
Fargo Public Schools, ND
An essential guide to the "what" and the "how" of literacy coaching!
Literacy coaches regularly encounter practical and theoretical issues, ranging from decoding national and state coaching requirements to understanding how to work effectively with all students, including those with special needs. This practical guide presents effective coaching strategies and best practices for enhancing literacy instruction and student performance across all grade levels.
Ideal for individual or group professional development, this text covers skill requirements for coaching and describes four roles of effective coaches: facilitator, observer, colleague, and learner. Readers will find sample scenarios, advice from recognized literacy experts, and topic extensions for study groups, as well as:
Information on NCLB, Reading First, and Reading Next requirements
Insight into developing relationships with school administrators
Tips for coaching difficult or noncompliant teachers
Practical recommendations for first-year coaches
A Guide to Literacy Coaching illuminates the many practical strategies literacy coaches, mentors, teacher leaders, and staff developers can use to collaborate with multiple school constituencies to promote teacher development and schoolwide literacy success.
A Guide to Literacy Coaching : Helping Teachers Increase Student Achievement
Description
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Resources
Foreword by Rita Bean
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. The Nature of Literacy Coaching in America's Schools
Introduction
Why Literacy Coaching Is Important
What Is a Literacy Coach?
What Are the Differences Between a Literacy Coach and a Reading Specialist?
Coaching Labels
Position Statements on the Literacy Coach
Role and Qualifications of the Literacy Coach
Standards for Middle and High School Literacy Coaches
Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse
Literacy Coaching Certification Throughout the United States
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Cathy Roller
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
2. The Multiple Roles of the Literacy Coach: Facilitator, Observer, Colleague, and Learner
Introduction
Scenario
Coach as Facilitator
Coach as Observer
Coach as Colleague
Coach as Learner
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Jack Cassidy
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
3. Assistance and Resources for New and Experienced Literacy Coaches
Introduction
Scenario
A Glimpse at First-Year Coaching
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Roger Farr
The Coach's Assignment
Resources and Assistance Available to Literacy Coaches
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Shelley Wepner
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
4. The Schools in Which We Work
Introduction
Scenario
Primary/Elementary School Settings
Middle and High School Settings
Special Education Classroom Settings
Two Experts' Thoughts: Dr. Richard Vacca and Dr. JoAnne Vacca
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
5. The Communities in Which We Work
Introduction
Scenario
Parents: Groups and Individuals
Linking Teachers to Professional Organizations
Government Relations
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Jesse Moore
Linking to Other Literacy Agencies
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Linda Katz
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Strategies or Study Groups
6. Literacy Leadership
Introduction
Scenario
The Leadership Role
Working With School Administrators
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Ken Koczur
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
7. Collaboration With Classroom Teachers
Introduction
Scenario
Coaching the Struggling Teacher
Coaching the Noncompliant Teacher
An Expert's Thoughts: Laura Richlin, Literacy Coach
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
8. Collaboration With Other Professionals and School Personnel
Introduction
Scenario
Collaborating Within the School
Collaboration Outside the School
Collaboration Through Professional Development
An Expert's Thoughts: Theresa Manfre, Reading Specialist
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
9. Assessment: Focus on Student Achievement
Introduction
Scenario
Collecting and Analyzing Data
Schoolwide Data
Classroom Data
Observation Data
Report Writing
An Expert's Thoughts: Dr. Richard Allington
Summary
Extension Topics for Class Sessions or Study Groups
10. Major Reports That Impact Literacy Coaching
Introduction
Scenario
What the Literacy Coach Should Know About the National Reading Panel Report
What the Literacy Coach Should Know About the Reading First Initiative
What the Literacy Coach Should Know About Reading Next: A Vision for Action and Research in Middle and High School Literacy
What the Literacy Coach Should Know About the RAND Report
What the Literacy Coach Should Know About Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literacy Reading in America
How Do Literacy Coaches Obtain Needed Knowledge?
Summary
Topic Extensions for Class Sessions or Study Groups
References
Index
Author Description
Review Text
""The book outlines how effective coaching models can be implemented and is very clear about what a coach should be doing to perform their duties. The interviews with experts contain helpful information and lots of viewpoints."" -- Victoria Seeger, Literacy Coach
""Contains a wealth of knowledge, techniques, report forms, checklists, and research to support someone working in literacy coaching."" -- Dolores M. Hennessy, Reading Specialist
""The book shows the differences between a reading specialist and a literacy coach and then goes on to explain all the work of a literacy coach."" -- Amy Q. Blocher, Reading Coach
""A very hands-on approach to helping teachers, parents, students, and the community. Coaches are not only given the theory behind what they do, but are given the knowledge of how to implement the research and the theory. As a coach who tries to stay on top of current research, I really enjoyed reading the various perspectives offered by the experts on the different topics. In addition, the discussion sections at the end of each chapter will be beneficial for people new to the profession or who are learning about this profession in graduate school."" -- Emme Barnes, Literacy Facilitator
""A valuable addition to the descriptive literature on the role of literacy coaches. This superior text clarifies the responsibilities, qualifications, and capabilities of the coach within and without the school and as a leadership partner."" -- Connie Molony, Reading-Language Arts Specialist
""A terrific resource for reading coaches. It brings to light the need for certification or a means for getting qualified coaches. There aren′t a lot of books on coaching, and I found this one to be very enlightening."" -- Carrie Dillmore, Reading Coach
""From sample scenarios and coaching challenges to details on developing coaching relationships with school administrators, this book is packed with important coaching keys to success."" -- The Bookwatch, July 2008