A HOLISITIC APPROACH TO COACHING

kid-grit believes that social emotional learning (SEL) is not a one size fits all solution to developing healthy, contributing, and productive young people. We observe and have witnessed that teams who are open to on-going coaching as a practice of professional development and self-improvement, see greater results in their work with youth — as well as building confidence in their own facilitation and teaching practice.

There is a growing body of research indicating that coaching can help create the conditions necessary for instructional practices to change and student outcomes to improve. (Annenberg Foundation for Education Reform, 2004).

We create a working environment where our partners are cared for and where they can access and implement new knowledge.

Here are important facts about coaching for education staff and administrators:

• Coaching helps the educator identify challenges and bring their own solutions to light.
• Coaching provides opportunities for deep reflection and learning. Where educators take risks to change their practice, powerful conversations take place and where growth is recognized and celebrated
• Coaching creates a space where healing can take place and where resilient, joyful communities can be built.
• By asking the educator open-ended questions the educator reflects and analyzes the challenge and then we can ask “What are you going to do about it?”
• Using this coaching strategy compels the educator to accept responsibility for the way they are working with youth or other staff.
• Research from the Annenberg report also suggests that effective and on-going professional learning promotes positive cultural change. The conditions, behaviors, and practices can shift when a strong and on-going coaching program is implemented with commitment, trust and collaboration.

kid-grit’s Recommendation for Curriculum Coaching is three coaching sessions per site or organization (after purchase of kid-grit curriculum).

1. Session 1: a week after launching
2. Session 2: mid-program
3. Session 3: right before the 5th Module (the Action Project planning begins).