Page 10 - EdViewptsSpring2017

On Your Mark, Get Set, COACH!

By Deborah Iosso Ed.S., Principal, Randolph High School; Adriana Coppola,
M.A.T., Instructional Coach, Randolph High School; Lena Wasylyk, M.Ed.,
Instructional Coach, Randolph High School

While the roles of faculty to enhance instruction on some level, has been fortunate to support four
members and administra- none directly impact what teachers do in instructional coaches from different
the classroom on a daily basis.
content areas. Our coaches maintain
tors are arguably more According to the Center for Education at least one teaching period with the
diverse and time consum- Policy Research at Harvard Univer- remainder of their day devoted to
sity, “research consistently shows that further developing teacher instructional
ing now than at any other time since teaching is the single most important practice through coaching. While the
the inception of public schools, our school-based factor in a student’s aca- coach’s daily schedule is varied, in any
ultimate goal must remain to provide demic growth” (Center for Educational given month, the teachers at Randolph
students with the best possible educa- Policy Research 1). We recognized High School are offered a range of
tion delivered by the best possible the need to provide our teachers and in-house professional development
educators. To that end, local, state, specialists with a support system that opportunities that are inspired and
and federal bodies have amended would give them a genuine opportunity voluntarily attended by teachers. The
standards, adopted new assessments, to hone their craft. content is ultimately designed and
implemented new evaluation systems, The focus of an instructional coaching facilitated by instructional coaches.
changed tenure laws, and required program is to positively affect student This monthly menu of coach-led
development of growth objectives all in growth and achievement by providing activities is created through thoughtful
the name of improving student learning. a range of services and one-on-one needs assessments and has led to
While each of these may have a chance support for teachers. Our high school almost 100% staff participation in the
coaching model.

Educational Viewpoints -8- Spring 2017