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Tiered (1-2-3) Coaching Framework: Intentionality to Effectiveness: Coaching Cycles for Success

“Intentionality to Effectiveness: Coaching Framework for Tiers 1, 2, and 3” — designed to guide instructional leaders, coaches, and consultants in supporting educators across different levels of development. This framework uses coaching cycles to build capacity and drive student achievement with strategic intentionality.

Framework Purpose


To provide a structured, differentiated coaching system that supports teacher growth at every level — from emerging to masterful — through intentional, evidence-based coaching cycles that lead to instructional excellence and student impact.

Core Principles of the Framework


  1. Tiered Support Based on Teacher Needs
  2. Intentional Coaching with Data-Driven Goals
  3. Responsive and Reflective Practice
  4. Capacity Building Through Collaboration
  5. Sustained Growth Through Cycles of Inquiry

Tier Descriptions

Tier 1: Universal Support (All Teachers)

  • Focus: Whole-staff development, foundational coaching
  • Goal: Build collective teacher efficacy through aligned practices
  • Coaching Style: Light-touch, collaborative, observation-based
  • Frequency: Monthly or as needed
Supports May Include:
  • School-wide PD
  • Instructional walkthroughs with feedback
  • PLC facilitation
  • Modeling core strategies (e.g., gradual release, engagement strategies)
  • Goal setting aligned to school improvement plan

Tier 2: Targeted Support (Developing Teachers/In Need of Growth)

  • Focus: Targeted instructional coaching to address specific skill gaps
  • Goal: Move teachers from developing to effective practice
  • Coaching Style: Structured, data-informed, and practice-based
  • Frequency: Biweekly or weekly coaching cycles
Coaching Cycle Includes:
  1. Pre-Conference: Set a focused, measurable goal (e.g., improve student questioning techniques)
  2. Observation: Collect evidence aligned to goal
  3. Feedback & Modeling: Debrief with actionable, bite-sized strategies
  4. Co-Teaching or Planning Support: Practice the strategy together
  5. Follow-Up Observation: Monitor impact on practice and student learning
Tools:
  • Targeted coaching log
  • Data tracker for specific focus areas
  • Student work analysis templates

Tier 3: Intensive Support (At-Risk or Underperforming Teachers)

  • Focus: Intensive, high-accountability coaching for turnaround
  • Goal: Urgent improvement of critical instructional and classroom management practices
  • Coaching Style: Directive, frequent, data-accountable
  • Frequency: Weekly or multiple times per week
Intervention-Based Cycle Includes:
  1. Urgency Conversation & Agreement: Set non-negotiable goals with timeline
  2. Daily/Weekly Monitoring: Frequent classroom visits with real-time feedback
  3. Instructional Modeling: Coach models exact moves, with teacher follow-up
  4. Student Data Collection: Frequent formative assessments to track growth
  5. Admin Collaboration: Joint observations and aligned support from leadership
Tools:
  • Intervention coaching plan with benchmarks
  • Weekly progress monitoring forms
  • Teacher reflection journals
  • Observation-to-feedback turnaround protocol

Coaching Cycle Stages (Across All Tiers)

STAGE ACTION PURPOSE
Identify Use data to identify teacher tier and coaching needs Ensure accurate placement and focus
Plan Set clear, measurable goals Drive intentional, aligned action
Act Observe, model, co-teach, and support instruction Provide scaffolded support
Reflect Review student work, assessment data, and teacher reflections Promote growth mindset and improvement
Adjust Refine goals and supports based on progress Ensure sustained effectiveness

Measuring Coaching Effectiveness

Short-Term Indicators

  • Implementation of new instructional strategies
  • Improved classroom culture and management
  • Teacher feedback and self-assessment

Mid-Term Indicators

  • Increase in formative assessment scores
  • Alignment to curriculum and pacing guides
  • Growth in walkthrough data

Long-Term Indicators

  • Improved student achievement (benchmarks, state assessments)
  • Increased teacher effectiveness ratings
  • Reduced teacher turnover (especially Tier 2 & 3)

Supporting Tools & Artifacts


  • Coaching Tier Placement Matrix
  • Tier 2 & Tier 3 Individual Coaching Plans
  • Coaching Conversation Protocols
  • Walkthrough & Observation Look-For Sheets
  • Teacher Goal-Setting Template (SMART + Equity Lens)
  • Student Impact Tracker
  • Reflection & Feedback Journal

Integration with School Improvement Plan

Align tiered coaching to SIP goals (e.g., literacy, engagement, equity)

Integrate with data cycles and PLC agendas

Use tiered coaching data in leadership team reviews

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