Plan and Practice

Supports the practitioner in identifying and planning for repeated practice opportunities in connection with goals

• Definition: Coaches can help practitioners to identify and plan for authentic practice opportunities, which can help practitioners hone their skills. Practice opportunities are the bridge between goal-setting and actual improvements in practice. It is often helpful for the coach to document practice opportunities, which can increase accountability.

Documents action plans that specify improvement goals, needed resources and support (e.g., professional development), and specific steps for the practitioner and coaches (e.g., practice opportunities)

• Definition: Coaches can help create strong action plans that clearly document the goals and improvement activities targeted during the continuous improvement cycle. Quality action plans include the resources the practitioner will need and the specific steps the practitioner and coach will take to practice the goals that were set. 

Connects feedback with planned practice opportunities using language that is consistent with documented goals and improvement strategies

• Definition: After a practitioner engages in the planned practice opportunity, it can be helpful for the coach to provide feedback around how the practice opportunities and goals they previously discussed went when implemented. Having these follow-up conversations helps provide support to teachers and allows them to reflect on the progress they made toward reaching their goals. 

Engages the practitioner in reflective conversations about progress in meeting goals, including the identification of barriers and supports for improvement

• Definition: Coaches who engage practitioners in reflective conversations can help practitioners discover for themselves what they’ve improved and why, and what they are struggling to improve and why. The practice of self-discovery helps practitioners become better independent problem solvers. 

Tracks and reports on the practitioner’s progress in a manner that supports evaluation of progress and the revision or conclusion of activity related to the established goals

• Definition: Tracking and reporting on a practitioner’s progress is important for celebrating new skills that are gained and for recognizing skills that need additional practice or coaching support. Tracking progress also helps coaches know which coaching strategies are working well and strategies that aren’t working well and need to be adjusted.