MOP Phase V

Phase V: Coaching and TA

Continue to Phase VI

15. Model site teams are coached

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) is committed to the use of coaching to meet the Center goals to provide state partners with sustainable, outcome-based professional development and technical assistance that optimize existing resources for effective delivery of services to learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This includes applications in school and early intervention settings.

Coaching is a key ingredient for the successful implementation of evidence based practices. Coaching helps educators make informed decisions about instruction and program organization that will lead to intervention practices that help children and youth learn more effectively. Coaching is relationship-based and is developed within the cultural context of organizations (Fixsen et al., 2009; Joyce & Showers, 2005; Knight, 2007).

Complete information on the coaching practices used by the NPDC can be found in our Coaching Manual, found in the resources section. Data regarding coaching and technical assistance is recorded on a coaching log and TA contact form, which is also included.

mop chevron Purpose:

To provide support and technical assistance to teams related to increasing fidelity of implementation of EBP, overall program improvement, and improved student outcomes

Procedure:

The coach on each team meets with team at least one time per month.

Coaching activities include a pre-observation conference, observation, and post-observation conference

Time spent with team recorded on contact log

Resources:

16. NPDC staff support coaches

NPDC staff members support coaches through monthly phone calls.

These phone calls are used as opportunities to check-in with the coach regarding data collection, to problem solve around implementation of EBP and classroom management, and to touch base about what the team is doing related to NPDC objectives. Reflective consultation is sometimes used to structure these contacts, and more information can be found in the Coaching Manual. Additional resources include the TA contact form, a sample data tracking sheet, and a sample agenda for a monthly phone call.

mop chevron Purpose:

To provide support to coaches as they support teams, problem solve around challenges, keep coach on-track re: data collection timelines, etc.

Procedure:

One time per month via phone call

Resources:

17. NPDC staff attend mid-year visits

Typically, mid-way through the first year, NPDC staff members make an on-site visit to model site teams.

One of the benefits to this visit is the NPDC’s ability to let the teams drive the agenda for the time. Rather than other visits, which require APERS completion and/or other data processes, this visit allows teams to determine what they want to happen. Activities include observations of teaching, facilitated team meetings, communications with administration, and trainings of other school personnel. Mid-year visits typically last approximately one school day.

mop chevron Purpose:

To foster relationships between NPDC and model site teams

To check in with team on progress at mid-year to provide coaching and training

Procedure:

NPDC staff visits each site for approximately one day.

Teams allowed to guide agenda and determine what would be useful (e.g., observations, facilitated meetings/discussions with team members, presentations to administrators, etc.)

Resources:

None available

Note: These were not consistent across state partners.