Collaborating, learning, and supporting the coaching process in underserved districts.
By Michael A. Zook Relaxing after the Holiday breaks often feel necessary. Don’t we all need to recover from that extra pie and food? These dishes seem to infiltrate every meal afterward until we can’t stand it anymore! Then, as you finally start to feel […]
Maria Chapman I walked into Mrs. Smith’s second-grade class for our coaching session excited to refine her small group instruction techniques. We met that morning during her prep time, discussed data, and planned a flawless small group lesson for a group of English Learners working […]
Originally published for Olivet Nazarene University
Guest Writers: Kathi Lippert, Ed.D.
Cassie Bailey, M.A.
November, 2018
Part I
Change is not always welcome in the education field. Sometimes, it is even viewed with distrust and disdain as teachers are not always a part of the decision-making process and/or feel unsupported during a period of change. Constant upheaval and revolving expectations wear on those who are trying to reach students’ reading and writing needs. This can make the job of the instructional coach particularly difficult. Do you work with teachers who are tired of being strapped by local and state mandates, high-stakes testing, and rigorous evaluation procedures? The answer is, unequivocally, “Yes.”
As instructional coaches, how do we address this sentiment towards change in the field? In our vernacular, we must replace “change” with “autonomy.” To ensure success in the classroom, we must work to empower our teachers and provide them with the means to make effective progress towards reaching new goals in literacy. How do we accomplish this? One way is action research.
Action research is an ongoing, cyclical process in which the teacher has the authority to make significant growth. The word research, however, may induce panic. It is important to remember that action research is conducted for shorter increments, allows for more flexibility, and usually includes various types of data. In action research, reflection drives inquiry, and the results of which, positive or negative, fosters insight into the dynamics of teaching and learning. It can also provide an opportunity to promote collaborative learning teams within a grade level and across disciplines; it can also be utilized as a method to track progress towards personal evaluation goals.
An Overview of the Action Research Process
Coaches can assist practitioners with reflecting and identifying areas of improvement; this is the first step in the action research process. Regarding literacy instruction, this can include improving reading scores, forming strong home-school relationships to foster literacy habits, sharing at-home reading strategies, conducting a study on literacy interventions, closing the summer slide, increasing student motivation, or offering professional development in literacy instruction. To choose a focus area, a teacher must reflect upon his or her own methods as well as the data and student evidence available.
After an area for improvement is identified, the coach and teacher must brainstorm potential solutions. It is recommended that possible solutions be discussed with school stakeholders including administration, colleagues, parents, and perhaps even students. Additionally, it is prudent for the literacy coach and teacher to review similar studies and research-based methods before determining how to rectify the problem. Once a focus area and intervention are chosen, a research question (or two) is created.
Research questions are open-ended and include the problem and intervention. Sample literacy research questions include:
Once the research question is determined, a solid plan needs to be established. The literacy coach should play an integral role in assisting the teacher in collecting and formulating the following:
The key to action research is to be committed yet flexible. Some components may need modification as the research progresses. Again, the process is cyclical.
Once data is collected, it is analyzed to determine efficacy of the intervention and to sufficiently respond to the research question(s). The final process in the action research is to draw conclusions and consider the implication of the intervention to determine the next course of action.
Benefits of Action Research
Educational action research is a system of inquiry that educators, administrators, and literacy coaches may utilize to ensure progress within schools. Through the action research process, practitioners become knowledgeable about research based instructional strategies to improve pedagogy. There is a myriad of benefits for conducting action research projects within classrooms, buildings or school communities.
The action research process provides educators credibility in their designated disciplines. It allows practitioners the freedom to examine their own teaching as they reflect upon their own instructional strategies to improve best practices. Such an endeavor empowers educators to have a voice in a field that often is encumbered with mandates and top-down directives from state and local policy makers as well as educational managers and administration. Action research allows educators to become creators of their own knowledge about the business of teaching and learning rather than mere consumers of other researchers’ exploration and experience.
Further, the process of integrating action research into a daily regimen stimulates collegiality as it provides an opportunity for teachers to work collaboratively with coaches towards a common goal. Articulating with colleagues regarding instructional strategies, educational modalities, and interpreting and analyzing qualitative/quantitative data promotes intrigue, inquiry, decision making and reflection about teaching. Conducting research studies enables practitioners to be invested in the data collection process. Educators become revitalized while conducting studies where such a goal fosters ingenuity, creativity, problem solving and academic discovery. Practitioners, who are passionate about their own methodology, implement action research studies to evaluate their own work as they reflect upon the importance of making positive change in the classroom. Such an academic goal increases trust, improves communication, and empowers educators to take a stance for real change that benefits both teaching and learning. It is apparent that initiating an action research project motivates educators to make a difference in areas of critical need in any discipline (Hendricks, 2017).
In Part II, we will examine sample studies to demonstrate how this type of research provides teachers with an opportunity to generate their own progress.
Part II
Graduate Students Implement Action-Research to Enhance Literacy Practices
*Pseudonyms were used to maintain teacher and student confidentiality
*Sara is an experienced teacher in an urban, private grade school. In her study, Sara expressed a desire to provide her 3rd grade students a “stepping stone between explicit instruction and independent reading.” Cross-grade level social activities were typically successful at the school; therefore, Sara decided to incorporate the same principle into literacy instruction.
Based upon reading ability, Sara paired her 3rd grade students with 5th grade students to become reading partners. Her research questions focused on improving literacy comprehension and reading motivation among her 3rd grade students. During the intervention, the “reading buddies” read a story collaboratively and the older students initiated proper responses to the literature using research-based strategies. Consequently, third grade-participants engaged in motivating, effective literature discussions.
Initially, the researcher coached the 5th grade students in appropriate literacy strategies including the five-finger summary and plot-concept relationships. The literature used during these sessions was taken from the 3rd grade basal. The pairs met once a week for six weeks; each session lasted approximately sixty minutes. Sara, the researcher, used both qualitative and quantitative tools to measure the efficacy of her project. Those data tools included: weekly comprehension tests, teacher observation, student literature logs, sample work, and student surveys and interviews.
Thirteen of the twenty 3rd grade participants showed an increase in comprehension scores on the weekly tests administered. Struggling readers saw the biggest gains averaging an 18.6 increase in points on their comprehension test as compared to the baseline data. There was also a 63% increase on the reading motivation post-survey. Additionally, 83% of the students noted a positive experience with their “reading buddy.” It was evident that most of the participants were more excited about reading, and in their interviews, many expressed a preference for the reading buddy discussions as opposed to traditional methods.
Another graduate student, *Abigail, a secondary education teacher, focused her AR project on content-area reading strategies and their impact on learning outcomes, comprehension, and student motivation. Three high school science teachers, each with over 15 years’ experience, were chosen to participate in the study along with their 142 student participants. Abigail’s first task was to observe the classrooms to see how each course was conducted. After observing the classrooms first-hand, Abigail chose various research-based literacy strategies she believed would complement the content well and shared these with the three colleagues. Those strategies included: the GIST, the RAFT, Possible Sentences (prediction strategy) and a word web graphic organizer (Johns, 2006). The teachers utilized course textbook selections and content articles of their choosing alongside the literacy strategies. Once Abigail had collected baseline data on student progress in each course, she was prepared to implement her intervention. The overall impact on comprehension was limited due to time constraints, but Abigail noted some interesting and encouraging findings. For example, most students interviewed enjoyed the RAFT strategy the most as it allowed more creativity and flexibility in expressing their understanding of the content. Half of the respondents also stated they could use the Possible Sentences strategy in other content areas. Similarly, the teachers also saw the value of using a pre-reading strategy such as the Possible Sentences strategy. Furthermore, all three teachers agreed the study was beneficial and expressed willingness to use literacy strategies in the future.
*Jamie is a 4th grade teacher at a suburban grade school. To motivate students to read and utilize learned literacy skills during the summer, Jamie designed a reading website which included substantial responses. Her primary research question read as follows: “How might a reading website, which includes student response, affect student reading habits over the summer?” As an added incentive for participating, Jamie offered a reward party when the study ended. Many students showed interest in the summer website, but in the end, she was only able to attain commitment from six participants. Of the six students, three were considered advanced readers, two were at-level, and one student was a striving reader. Before the school year ended, Jamie prepared the 4th grade students for the study by reviewing good literacy habits the students learned throughout the school year and sharing information regarding substantial posts.
First, they could choose among three response formats: a written response, a drawing, or a video. Next, students were to demonstrate their comprehension using good literacy strategies such as connecting or predicting, and they were encouraged to provide textual evidence in their posts. Students were allowed free choice of book selection. Finally, it was expected that students post twice a week-one post of their own and one post to comment on a peer’s response. The researcher shared expectations with the participants’ parents. Jamie collected data for five weeks over the summer. She used student surveys, parent surveys and rubrics to assess student posts. Jamie also tracked frequency of responses to monitor participation. Jamie better understood key factors in motivating students to read throughout the summer. The students noted parental reminders and the party as motivators, but half of the students also reported that they enjoyed seeing their responses posted on the site as well as seeing their “friend’s” responses. Another finding derived from the parent survey was an increase in frequency of summer reading. According to the parents, their child read more during the study than in previous summers by reading at least three or more days per week. Next, all but one student stated they would participate in the summer reading website again if given the opportunity. One student replied that he already liked to read, and his mother requires him to do so regardless.
Data from the student response rubrics proved to be comparable to the work students provided during the school year. There did not seem to be significant gains made in their reading habits or abilities, but nothing was lost either. The students were independently employing literacy strategies appropriately in the posts and avoiding the “summer slide.” An unexpected finding in this study was an increase in parental involvement. Reminding students to read and complete the responses was a key motivating factor in student participation. The researcher gained consent from the parents and shared the information with them, but the researcher did not anticipate the parents taking such an active role. It was an unintended, positive by-product.
Whether the teacher was seeking to increase reading scores, coach colleagues on literacy strategies or support summer reading, each one of the case studies demonstrates the power of action research in providing teachers worthwhile data or insight to enhance literacy practices.
Survey of AR Implications
To ascertain the lasting impacts of action research, twelve graduate students voluntarily participated in a survey regarding their action research studies. The survey results denoted below pertain to the experiences and opinions of those practitioners who conducted an action research project.
Practitioners agreed that generating and conducting an action research project improved their instructional practices and pedagogy.
Based on the results, all respondents concur that significant academic and ancillary gains were achieved during the intervention throughout their action research study.
Over 90% of the practitioners agreed to implement similar interventions or strategies within their educational setting and value its sustainability for all stakeholders involved.
Based on the survey results, all 12 respondents see the value in conducting data analysis to determine academic strengths and deficits as well as to drive instruction. Collecting data is instrumental as the practitioner progress monitors participants during the action research implementation.
All respondents concur that a constructive benefit to implementing action research is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues regarding best practices.
Below are testimonials from the survey participants who conducted action research project within their classrooms or schools.
“I feel the process helped me realize how to directly target the reading deficits of the students, as well as monitor their progress. It was a very useful process.”
“Learning the process of action research has helped me with teaching and assessing in general. I am now more careful about gathering benchmark data, trying different instructional practices, and assessing in ways that line up with the pre-assessments. I am also more aware of gathering data in a variety of ways and how to interpret that data to drive future instruction. Overall, the process of action-research was highly beneficial because of the way in which I created and analyzed everything in the project on my own with guidance from an experienced teacher”
“My project allowed me to embrace diversity in my classroom which led to meaningful activities during my action research project.”
It is evident from the survey results as well as the practitioners’ testimonials, that conducting action research clearly benefits all stakeholders involved in the education process. It is imperative for educators to be passionate about a topic because this fosters diligence and maintains sustainability throughout the study. Subsequently, conducting action-based research studies enables practitioners to become more invested in the instructional practices in their discipline. As researchers, teachers become acutely invested in data collection as they become critically aware of students’ academic progress.
In summary, conducting action research proves to be instrumental in providing opportunities for literacy coaches and classroom teachers to develop and integrate differentiation, explore innovative strategies, and become adept at data analysis. Implementing action research studies allows practitioners to identify both curricular and student strengths as well as areas needed for improvement. Furthermore, discovering effective activities that motivate and engage students can transform literacy practice in the classroom. Ultimately, conducting action research enables educators to have an assertive voice in their decision-making as it pertains to instructional practices within their educational setting.
Originally posted on The Educator’s Room By Katie Sluiter Many teachers consider themselves to be coaches rather than just instructors. We are not just imparting knowledge, but we are there to mentor our students and develop them into becoming better thinkers, writers, readers, doers. We […]
Originally posted on The Educator’s Room By Terri Froiland In my six years as an instructional coach, I have been fortunate to have been given a great deal of professional development in a variety of coaching models, from invitational coaching to transformational coaching. As I have […]
by Shawnta S. Barnes
It takes hard work to build up teachers and improve their practice, but the work is even harder when teachers are displaced. This school year is my third year as an instructional coach and this year has been the most challenging. Due to decreasing enrollment, my school district, Indianapolis Public Schools, decided to eliminate three high school campuses, moving from seven to four. Instead of only teachers at the closing high school campuses being displaced, the school district decided to displace every high school employee, from the principals to the cafeteria workers. The district felt this was best because it would allow teachers to find their best fit school.
As you might have suspected this has caused anxiety, stress, and depression among some teachers. Teachers fear they either won’t have a job or will be assigned to a school where a principal did not choose them. Some teachers have quit mid-year despite being offered a bonus of up to $5,000 to stay until the end of the year. Others have decided quit and stay; they are planning to finish the school year, but they have quit trying to be the best teachers they could be.
In the midst of this all, I have to coach teachers. I have to improve their practice and through them, I also have to improve our students’ academic achievement. Although being displaced is not a situation any educator wants to face (and this is also my second displacement), this is a reality in many school districts across many states.
How do you coach teachers when they are part of a reality they do not like? Below, I have outlined what I am doing to coach teachers who are displaced.
Acknowledge their frustrations and then get to the work.
At first, when I had coaching sessions, I didn’t talk about the situation that was all around us. It was this elephant sitting in the room during each coaching session. Even though I can’t ease their anxiety, I can acknowledge their frustrations about the situation and tell them I appreciate their hard work and commitment to the coaching process.
Focus on what you can control.
When I taught middle school English, the English department chair would say at every meeting, “We are only going to focus on what we can control.” I know that statement would burn people up sometimes especially when they were angry about a decision that was made. Being angry about a decision, such as your district displacing you is a valid feeling, but it is not okay to let your anger consume the entire time you should be working to improve your practice as a teacher. When I’m meeting with a teacher who is derailing our work by focusing on issues he or she can’t control, I’ll say, “Is there anything you can do about this?” If the answer is no, I’ll direct the teacher back to what we were originally discussing.
Remind teachers why they entered the profession.
When teachers are fearful they either won’t have a job next year or get placed in a school they did not choose, they may leave mid-year or put in minimal effort. Although, I respect the decision of teachers who leave mid-year (because I rather them leave and serve other students well rather than stay and just go through the motions), a teacher leaving or a teacher putting in minimal effort hurts students and puts an extra burden on other colleagues. When a teacher says, “Mr. Blacksmith is just sitting at his desk and passing out worksheets,” I’ll respond, “Do you want to be like him and is that good for your students?” Always bring it back to the students. I want my teachers to know it says more about their character when they teach well even in the face of uncertainty.
Encourage teachers to take care of themselves.
The foundation of good instructional coaching is trust. When teachers trust you, they might unload on you as if you are their therapist. If you are concerned about the mental health of the teachers you coach, refer them to someone who can help them. Don’t try to provide answers or try to solve their problems.
Consistently offer support and observations.
I frequently tell teachers, “I want you to end this school year knowing you have improved because of your investment in this process.” Teachers can only invest when you are also invested. When teachers are quitting, it is easy to get caught up in putting out fires and making sure those classes are okay instead of focusing on the teachers that are still there putting in the work. If I want teachers I coach to bring 100%, I also have to do the same. That means showing up consistently to observe their classrooms and providing the support they need.
Lift up the good.
Last and certainly not least, remind teachers of their progress. Highlight the improvements they are making. I was speaking to a teacher who was frustrated after I came to observe. She wanted her lesson to be better. I said, “No one was walking around the classroom, cursing at you, or throwing stuff. Your transitions were smooth and students could articulate what they were learning. Remember August?” After my feedback, a big smile appeared on her face. She was so caught up in what she perceived she did wrong that she didn’t she was she was doing right.
At this time, I have no clue what I’m doing next year. I have not secured a job placement yet, but right now I’m trying to be the best coach I can be so my teachers can serve our students well this year and be prepared to serve students well next year in their new roles.
