Team+4

** **Readiness for Coaching With or Without Bananas**
 * “YES, we have NO bananas”

Signs of peer coaching readiness can vary from site to site, however there are many things that sites can do to pave the way for peer coaching success. We have identified, with the help of our peers, factors that define readiness for coaching. The primary factors that define readiness are administrator willingness, facilitator/coach ability, and site-based embedded efforts to sustain ongoing training and support structures for the coaching model.

Administrators should have a clear understanding of the scope and expectations of the peer coaching model. Initial facilitator/peer coach trainings embed this information for administrators attending. Once the information is clear, the coach/facilitator can create a [|Peer Coaching Plan] (Session 1: Activity 4 – Part I) with the help of the administrator. Peer coaching in hand, facilitators and Peer Coaches can begin developing peer coaching plans (Session 1: Activity 4 – Part II) with their collaborating teachers.

Although, continuous and sustained administrator support is important, facilitators and coaches play an important role. The ability of the facilitator/coach is integral to the success of the peer coaching program. If the peer coach is able to effectively demonstrate the characteristics outlined on the [|Coaching Skills Cue Card] (Session 2: Activity 2): Active Listening, Paraphrasing, and Questioning Techniques the site will be on the right path. The role of effective communication cannot be understated in the implementation of the peer coaching program. Ultimately, the site would grow a community of effective collaborator/communicators.

Sustainability of the peer coaching program can be determined and planned for from the beginning. The [|Coaching Goals Planning Worksheet] (Session 1: Activity 4) can help open the door to job-embedded professional development discussion. The worksheet determines needs and goals of collaborating teachers that leads into a discussion of the time table and plan for incorporating these steps into the peer coaching model. Identifying the long-term plan and needs of the program will benefit the longevity of the program. In conclusion, everything we said above is really important, follow the steps and you will succeed! If you experience failure, “reflect, revise,” and start again! Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Useful links: http://us.partnersinlearningnetwork.com/MyNotebook/Downloads/Peer%20Coaching%20Downloads/Sessions/S1/Peer_Coaching_Plan.doc

http://us.partnersinlearningnetwork.com/MyNotebook/Downloads/Peer%20Coaching%20Downloads/Sessions/S1/Coaching_Goals_Planning_Worksheet.doc

http://us.partnersinlearningnetwork.com/MyNotebook/Downloads/Peer%20Coaching%20Downloads/Sessions/S2/Coaching_Skills_Cue_Card.doc