Literacy Coaching to Build Adolescent Learning: 5 Pillars of Practice

Prompted by state and federal mandates, school districts are focusing their attention on improving adolescents' literacy skills and increasingly turning to literacy coaches for instructional support. This rare resourse for secondary-level coaches focuses on five pillars of adolescent literacy-time to read for enjoyment, choice in reading materials, stategies for reading text, vocabulary instruction, and motivation to read-and demonstrates how coaches can work effectively with middle and high school teachers across the content areas.

Drawing on their deep experience in the field, the authors provide guidance on key topics such as how to

Clearly define the role and responsibilities of literacy coaches

Use conversation wisely to make effective decisions and identify design needs

Implement ongoing professional development for teachers

Establish collaborative relationships and help teachers use data to inform instruction

Replete with real-word vignettes, current research, and reproducible forms to help facilitate literacy coaching in schools, literacy coaching to Build Adolescent Learing is an valuable aid for any literacy leader working with teachers of adolescents.