Team+4

by Kristen Roberston, Dawn Halterman, and Elizabeth Francois​
 * Ready, Set, COACH! **


 * Are your teachers feeling overwhelmed? Are your students struggling? Are you at your wits end? Coaching might be the perfect solution to all your problems. Peer coaching is a tool that promotes life-long learning by developing relationships that promote instructional improvement through the use of 21st century skills. How can you be sure your school is ready for the coaching experience? **


 * Research Driven Data**

When surveyed, the Peer Facilitator Cadre at the May 2010 training determined indicators of school readiness to implement peer coaching. Overall, the groups decided that a school that is ready has a vested interest in improving student learning. Without this interest pervasive throughout the community, coaching will not be as effective. Another aspect that shows readiness is the fact that teachers are open to collaboration and sharing. The ego needs to go out the window and the resources need to be moved from the “Mine” column to the “Ours” column. In order to facilitate this occurrence, there needs to be respected teacher leaders who are willing to participate. Finally, there needs to be an overall interest in promoting 21st Century Skills. For this to be possible, the faculty needs to be willing to immerse themselves and their students in the use of these skills.

In order to assess whether or not your school is ready, the Microsoft Peer Coaching Program offers resources for you. Use the School-Based Professional Development Standards check list to determine what your school is already proficient at. This gives you a starting place when it comes time to set your goals. You can also utilize the Learning Activity Checklist to analyze where your strengths and challenges are. Look at lessons that you’ve already created. You might be surprised at how many of your lessons only need a little finessing to make them fit. All it takes is a couple of steps to be on your way to a magnificent learning environment! Are you ready?
 * What you can do in your school today?**




 * ​Fabulous Resources**

//Coaching Skills Cue Card//
 * Active Listening
 * Paraphrasing
 * Carifying Questions
 * Probing Questions

//Learning Activity Checklist//
 * Standard Based Tak
 * Engaging Task
 * Problem Based Task
 * Technology Enhances academic Achievement

//Coaching Goals Planning Worksheet//