The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success

by Jim Knight

Even under ideal conditions, teaching is tough work. Facing unrelenting pressure from administrators and parents and caught in a race against time to improve student outcomes, educators can easily become discouraged (or worse, burn out completely) without a robust coaching system in place to support them.

For more than 20 years, perfecting such a system has been the paramount objective of best-selling author and coaching guru Jim Knight and his team of researchers at the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG). In The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching, Knight offers a blueprint for establishing, administering, and assessing an instructional coaching program laser-focused on every educator's ultimate the academic success of students.

Organized around ICG's seven "Success Factors" for great instructional coaching, this book offers

* An in-depth guide to the Impact Cycle, ICG's research-based and field-tested model for coaching teachers through issues that matter most to them;* Detailed guidance on how to create a "playbook" of instructional strategies to share with collaborating teachers—and how to model those strategies under different conditions;* Practical advice on preparing for and engaging in substantive, reflective, and teacher-centered coaching conversations;* Best practices for gathering, analyzing, and responding to data for improved teaching and learning; and* Real-life anecdotes and testimonies from educators and coaches who have reaped the benefits of the Impact Cycle in a diverse array of schools.

In addition, each chapter of the book contains a learning map to help orient you and a list of valuable additional resources to complement the text. Whether you're new to coaching or well versed in the practice, The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching will no doubt prove a cornerstone of your coaching library for years to come.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Leadership

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2021

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all school leaders.

Students grow when teachers grow. Moving from awareness to practice to mastery takes time... And coaching. Humans are wired for the deep learning that happens within the coaching and mentoring relationship, we could save a lot of time in education if we simply got rid of a lot of traditional professional development and, instead, invested in high quality systems, from top to bottom, for coaching.

[Stuart Macalpine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really excellent 'state of the art' summary of effective instructional coaching and how to make it successful. One hesitation I had having listened to Jim Knight back in Singapore days, was a slightly 'consultative' rather than 'facilitative' approach to dialogue and goal setting. But either I totally misread that, or he has moved more towards the importance of autonomy. I was pleased to see Ryan and Deci appear - and recall us talking in the break in Singapore about self determination theory. So I was really pleasantly surprised as I read to see how much meaningful dialogue comes to the fore.

Overall just an excellent book for anyone engaging with or trying to understand what effective instructional coaching is or could be. I highly recommend taking a read.

[Jeff Koslowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I'm sure a very helpful and even definitive guide for instructional coaches, unless you are one this book doesn't really do much for you. As a department chair, I enjoy my time of visiting classes and working with my fellow teachers to tighten up lessons or use outside classroom resources. While chapters 2 and 3 are really helpful, that's about all I could use. If you are an instructional coach, Jim Knight is the best in the business and this book is a good use of your time. If you aren't, your time could be better served with other readings.

[Lesley Doane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid introduction to the world of instructional coaching. I appreciated the balance between building relationships with staff and also setting high expectations to implement coaching cycles and models. The information was clearly laid out with a great summary/next steps section at the end of each chapter. I have read Unmistakable Impact and enjoyed it and would pick up other resources by Jim Knight to further strengthen my role as a coach!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST READ for instructional coaches and mentors! I loved the layout this book had with learning maps, factors for success, reflection questions, and how Jim Knight included a list of recommended books at the end of each chapter to dig deeper and learn more about each topic I had numerous take-aways and created a list of new goals to implement. Fabulous book!

[Kristin Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s amazing how a book could be so practical and readable that it feels like you are having a conversation, so clear about what should be that it’s convicting, and so encouraging that it leaves you hopeful despite all of your own personal doubts and concerns. That’s what this book was for me. I have a feeling that I will be reaching for it on a weekly basis.

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct compilation of all past books and studies into one easy to read book. Enjoyed the connection to researchers and thinkers outside of education- leadership and communication studies that were connected from musicians, leaders, athletes, etc. Truly hit home.

[Kerron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of instructional coaching. Will be making some adjustments to what I do based on this.

[Matthew Bertke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Jim Knight’s work. This is his best, clearest, and most articulate work yet!

[Rachel Polacek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fine introduction to coaching, but after reading Elena Aguilar first, this felt like a lot of review (and self-promotion).

[Jessica Gebauer]

Jim Knight was recommended in multiple coaching websites

[Deb Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great IC book breakdown for implementation for coaching teachers & students in the classroom.

[Kianaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you an instructional coach? A principal? If so this book is for you! It provides critical information for ensuring effective coaching in schools. Ten out of ten recommend!