Voices from the Field: Instructional Coaching Works PDF Print E-mail

 “As a result of the coaching that our teachers now receive, we as students are performing better than ever in both the classroom and on statewide testing.  Students, such as myself, are showing a higher level of interest and understanding in the classroom, which in turn leads to better grades and a better overall education.  Isn’t that truly what teaching is all about, providing the best possible education for students? Our classes have benefited greatly from the new strategies and ideas used by our teachers. In a brief two-year time frame, I have truly seen a positive change within the classrooms.”

-NICHOLAS ADAMS, SOPHOMORE AT BELLWOOD-ANTIS HIGH SCHOOL


“…these strategies work; they are doing exactly what we, as students, see them as, getting us students involved in the learning process and interested in schoolwork. In addition, I have seen an improvement in the teachers, not only in how engaging they are in and out of class about our assignments, but also their confidence in their abilities as teachers as the students continue to improve. I would like to thank you for implementing these strategies, as they have made a very large difference in our school.”

-MATT FLAUGH, JUNIOR AT BELLWOOD-ANTIS HIGH SCHOOL


“My school has participated in the Pennsylvania High School Coaching Initiative for the past two years. This program has changed the learning environment for students. The students in my school are now better equipped with the necessary tools and in an atmosphere to better comprehend and understand the material. This program has really helped students to learn and interact with the lessons and chapters put forth by our teachers.”

-JOSHUA DAVINSIZER, SENIOR AT BELLWOOD-ANTIS HIGH SCHOOL

“My teacher has us write down what we think about what we read…and explain it and express what we wrote to the people next to us so we can learn how to speak out loud – to express our mind about what we read.”
– STUDENT FOCUS GROUP


“The coaches provide me with the support and guidance necessary to implement new strategies which are helping my students reach higher levels of achievement.”
– PAUL LUCAS, SCIENCE TEACHER, BURGETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL 


“We had a significant increase in our PSSA scores. We had a 23% increase in reading scores, and a 7% increase in math scores. When we assessed the differences from year to year, the only variables that changed were the implementation of a literacy coach and PLN strategies. We are 100% behind the Initiative, and we are 100% bought into the power of quality literacy based instruction.” – MIKE REED, PRINCIPAL, SCI TECH HIGH SCHOOL, HARRISBURG, PA


“It has heightened my awareness as an educator to improve classroom instruction. Being in so many varied classrooms this year, I have seen the climate of change among students and teachers alike. PAHSCI has given me the tools to look beyond the curriculum and the need to use data on a regular basis.”
– MARLENE RADOV, LITERACY COACH, STRONG VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL, ERIE, PA


 “Coaching has been like a slow race; in that, as the race progresses, the participants began to reflect more skill in running the race. The introduction of various methods from noted professionals in coaching has better prepared coaches for instruction in the classroom.”
– JOHN R. SMITH, MATH COACH, ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA, PA


“Student engagement has become a natural expectation of both the students and teacher. There is less waiting time, less prodding, less time to transition from one activity to another. More learning is taking place in the same amount of time.”
– DR. DONALD C. DONLEY, PRINCIPAL, LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA, PA


“Student engagement is tenfold than before. Ultimately, the end result was interested students and satisfied teachers.”
– LAURA STEFONETTI, LITERACY COACH, SCRANTON, PA


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