School+-+Haddon+PS



=Haddon Primary School= Haddon is a small regional area located 15km south west of Ballarat. The 2010 enrolment is around 215 students. The school entrance is inviting and the colorful displays signal high expectations, school values and a focus on learning. The grounds, sporting facilities and playgrounds are well maintained, and the school has strong community support and joint use facilities. The BER building works will provide four new classrooms that will incorporate a common learning space and additional computer facilities. I am the Assistant Principal at Haddon Primary and along with my coaching role I take Reading Recovery and intervention programs. Early intervention is a very strong focus in our Early Years. We are a high performing school and my focus this year will be on effective classroom practice. We have not had the benefit of working with a coach in our school setting, so I am taking very little steps. I have enjoyed the coaching sessions and like being able to network with coaches from other schools and regions. The discussion on ‘Powerful Literacy’ at our recent PD session was very encouraging. Reflection When I first enrolled in the Literacy Coaching training I thought…….. I was going to be ‘trained’ as a literacy coach ...not unlike the Early Years Coordinator training. I would work through a series of modules, have between visit tasks, which would probably involve some coaching with individual teachers. After the 8 days I would be a ‘fully trained coach’ and would be able to go full steam ahead in my school to support teachers in improving the outcomes for our students....................how wrong could I be. As our school has very good literacy results we had not had any experience with the regional coaches in our school. I thought the role of the coach was a ‘consultant’ to provide Professional Learning and change classroom practice.

After day 1 This is not what I thought it would be. I was confused, overwhelmed, lost and left wondering what I had gotten myself into? I was asked to give a brief report at the staff meeting.....it was very brief! At the end of day 2 things were starting to come together………..my reflection after day 2…….. Day 2 I am starting to see how the research, information and discussions are filling the gaps in my understanding of coaching. I am feeling a lot more confident in my coaching role. Starting to think about the entry point for each teacher and the role I will play. Thinking about the role I have had in the school…literacy coordinator and how that will defer in a coaching role. I have been the ‘go to’ person… the person leading and coordinating Professional Learning to result in change in classroom practice. I am now thinking about how I can build the capacity of teachers, to lead them to make decisions and judgements about their performance and classroom practice. What do I need to find out? What readings will I start with? How can I challenge teachers’ thinking and build their capacity? What sort of coach will I be?

// When I started this course I thought….. // Coaches… - focus on school literacy goals - are literacy experts - change classroom practice by modelling lessons - instruct and advise teachers - provide up to date resources for teachers - supervise and observe classroom practice - provides feedback for improvement from classroom observations - lead behavioural change in good classroom practice

Now I believe..... Coaches....  - negotiate with individual educators on an area for improvement - lead teachers to make value judgements about their performance-ownership - use data to focus on the learning conversations with teachers - secure teacher learning providing a focus for development - challenge teacher’s thinking - work with individuals and teams - develop professional relationships in a supportive environment - provide substantive conversations, leading /guiding teachers to reflect on their teaching

