4. Testimonials-Rutherford Learning Group

Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Michelle L. Dillard, Chief of Leadership and Schools, Division of Leadership and Schools

Request: It is requested the Board of Education approve a District Coaching Framework for school leaders including assistant principals and principals from Rutherford Learning Group Services Agreement in an amount not to exceed $145,150.

Why: The District's Assistant Principals' Academy is designed to develop and support assistant principals on an ongoing basis through job-embedded learning. There is a current need in the district to increase and enhance assistant principals' observation, coaching, and feedback skills. The lessons from the Rutherford Learning Group will build a common language and schema for assistant principals and principals centered on observation, coaching, and feedback, which will positively impact teacher instructional practices and student growth and performance.

Details: The Rutherford Learning Group Proposal for Professional Learning Services for DCSD Assistant Principals and Principals’ Academies will provide assistant principals and principals with a comprehensive treatment of instructional leadership, classroom observation skills, and strategies for providing growth-evoking feedback and coaching to teachers. Assistant principals will receive the learning and support materials which include: An Artisan Teacher Field Guide, an Artisan Teacher Memory Jogger Card, and a 7 Tools for Developing Teachers & Teaching Book. More specifically, the Assistant Principals and Principals’ Academies leaders will participate in the following professional experiences:
Assistant Principals’ Academy
Session 1: Introduction: Rationale and evidence base for instructional leadership, strengths-based development of teachers and teaching, and overview of feedback and coaching approaches.
Session 2: Classroom observation and analysis skills
Session 3: Introduction to the 23 Artisan Teacher Themes and applications to observation and feedback
Session 4: Feedback and coaching skill development: 30 Second Feedback
“30-second feedback seeks to deliver a short but meaningful bit of positive reinforcement based on a walk-through or short observation. This tool’s effectiveness is based on the observer’s ability to be specific in describing the short episode of teaching and the subsequent learning effect. 30-second feedback is often delivered in an informal fashion - in the hallway, on the way to the cafeteria, for example. The purpose is to serve as a quick affirmation or a specific aspect of a teacher’s practice. It focuses attention on a specific episode of productive cause-effect, positively reinforcing that practice. It is used to significantly increase the frequency of feedback episodes. Frequent, positive touches of feedback improve teaching techniques and shape a positive school culture.” - 7 Tools for Developing Teachers and Teaching
Session 5: Feedback and coaching skill development: Craft Conversations
“A craft conversation is a quick dialog about a specific, successful aspect of the teacher’s work. It should not seem supervisory, judgmental, corrective, or evaluative. Rather, a craft conversation should look and sound like two enthusiasts talking about something in which they share a keen interest. It is “shop talk.” In a craft conversation, the common ground between the teacher and administrator is their mutual interest in skillful teaching and successful learning. The administrator takes the position of a curious, interested colleague who wants to learn more about an aspect of the teacher’s craft. The purpose is to build teachers’ awareness, consciousness, and intentionality with respect to their most effective practices. Craft conversations, when routinely provided, support teacher reflection, establish positive and professional communication norms between teachers and administrators, and add to administrators’ knowledge base on effective teaching.” - 7 Tools for Developing Teachers and Teaching
Session 6: Feedback and coaching skill development: Next Level Coaching
“Next Level Coaching is a proactive method for improving teaching performance by adding an element to a teacher’s practice or changing/improving an element of a teacher’s practice. Next Level Coaching is direct, straightforward, and positive. It is intended to be used with teachers at all levels of effectiveness. The purpose of Next Level Coaching seeks to directly improve instruction by adding effective practices and/ or substituting effective practices for less effective ones.” - 7 Tools for Developing Teachers and Teaching

Principals’ Academy
Session 1: Introduction: Rationale and evidence base for instructional leadership, strengths-based development of teachers and teaching, and overview of feedback and coaching approaches. Additionally, classroom observation and analysis skills.
Session 2: Introduction to the 23 Artisan Teacher Themes and applications to observation and feedback. Feedback and coaching skill development: 30 Second Feedback.
Session 3: Feedback and coaching skill development: Craft Conversation | Feedback and coaching skill development: Next Level Coaching.

Finally, this plan will result in the effective use of site-based coaching and feedback to ensure that teachers engage in timely and meaningful conversations about teaching and learning that enhances teaching practices that impact student performance.

Financial impact: General Funds: Leadership Development Budget
Charge Code:

Amount Requested: $145,150.00

Contact: Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Leadership and Schools, 678.676.0377
Mrs. Kedra Fairweather, Coordinator III, School Leadership, Division of Leadership and Schools, 678.676.1092

Effective: Upon Board Approval

Status: Approved by General Counsel