Reflect on the draft you created in your learning journal for the initial pilot you could implement
with your existing resources and teachers in your organization. As you are creating a revised
draft for this deliverable, be certain you include the areas you already addressed, but now add
examples from the professional literature to support your evaluation and rationale. While this
plan may not be as large as your best-case scenario, it should still communicate the strength of
your insights and knowledge of the sources to support your assertions.
Be sure to include the following in your initial pilot plan:
● Clear connection from the student needs and identified teachers to the strategies in
the Instructional Playbook you have created.
● Evaluation process for the pilot and how you would gather feedback from the
teachers.
● Draft of the communication you would send to the building administration to request
time to coach.
● Draft of your initial communication to teachers you would like to include.
● Timeline of the first steps if the teachers choose to participate.
APA style and formatting should be followed

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide: Developing and Revising Your Initial Instructional Coaching Pilot Plan

This assignment asks you to refine and expand on your initial pilot plan draft by grounding your ideas in professional literature. Follow this guide to structure your deliverable and demonstrate a strong rationale, practical insights, and scholarly support.

1. Introduction (1 Paragraph)

Briefly introduce your organization’s current instructional needs and your role as a coach.
Restate the student needs and teacher profiles you identified in your draft.
Mention that the goal is to launch a pilot coaching plan with your current resources and staff.

Example:
“This pilot coaching plan is designed to address targeted instructional gaps among students in literacy, as identified through recent benchmark data, by partnering with teachers who have expressed openness to reflective practice. Drawing on current literature and prior coaching experience, this plan proposes an initial, resource-conscious implementation.”

2. Connection Between Student Needs, Teacher Partners, and Instructional Playbook Strategies (1–2 Paragraphs)

Clearly link student achievement data (e.g., assessment scores, engagement observations) to the needs this pilot addresses.
Describe how selected teachers were identified and why they are appropriate partners.
Align these with specific strategies from your Instructional Playbook, such as gradual release, questioning techniques, or formative assessments.

Support with research: Reference literature on instructional coaching (e.g., Jim Knight, Diane Sweeney) or studies showing effective coaching interventions.

3. Evaluation Process and Feedback Collection (1 Paragraph)

Describe how you will evaluate the success of the pilot (e.g., student performance data, pre/post surveys, teacher reflection logs).
Detail how you will gather and use teacher feedback (e.g., informal check-ins, Google Forms, coaching exit tickets).
Define specific indicators of progress, such as increased use of the targeted strategy or improved student outcomes.

Support with research: Cite best practices in coaching evaluation (e.g., Guskey’s model for evaluating professional development).

4. Draft of Communication to Building Administration (1 Paragraph or Block Text Email Format)

Write a professional, concise request for time and administrative support.
Emphasize alignment with school or district goals (e.g., literacy improvement, instructional equity).
Clarify time commitments, benefits, and outcomes.

Example Email:

Subject: Request for Time to Implement Instructional Coaching Pilot
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I’m writing to request your support for a short-term pilot instructional coaching initiative focused on improving student outcomes in [subject]. The pilot will include [number] teachers and run over [X] weeks. I will provide planning support, model lessons, and collect feedback to inform larger-scale planning. This effort aligns with our site improvement goals and can operate within existing schedules.
I would appreciate your approval and assistance in scheduling brief weekly coaching check-ins.
Thank you for considering,
[Your Name]

5. Draft of Initial Communication to Selected Teachers (1 Paragraph or Block Text Email Format)

Keep it friendly and respectful.
Explain why they were selected and what participation entails.
Clarify the non-evaluative nature of coaching and how they will benefit.

Example Email:

Subject: Invitation to Join Instructional Coaching Pilot
Hi [Teacher Name],
I’m inviting you to be part of a short-term coaching pilot aimed at enhancing student learning in [area]. You were selected because of your thoughtful instruction and openness to new strategies. Coaching will include collaborative planning, support with implementation, and feedback opportunities. The time commitment is minimal, and the benefits to student growth are meaningful. Let me know if you’re interested—I’d love to collaborate!
Best,
[Your Name]

6. Timeline of First Steps (Bullet List or Table Format)

Lay out a simple, clear timeline of activities if teachers choose to participate.

Example Timeline:

Week	Activity
Week 1	Confirm teacher participation, schedule coaching cycles
Week 2	Pre-conference and co-planning
Week 3–4	Observation/modeling and feedback
Week 5	Post-conference and teacher reflection
Week 6	Collect feedback and revise strategies

7. Conclusion (1 Paragraph)

Reinforce the importance of launching a pilot that’s realistic, aligned with current school needs, and driven by collaboration.
Mention how feedback and data will help scale the pilot in future phases.

Example:
“This pilot coaching plan represents a practical yet research-aligned approach to improving student outcomes within our existing resources. With careful implementation and ongoing reflection, the feedback gathered will lay the foundation for an expanded, sustainable instructional coaching program.”

8. References (APA Format)

Include at least 3–5 scholarly or professional sources. These can be books or journal articles on instructional coaching, formative assessment, or teacher development.

Examples:

Knight, J. (2017). The impact cycle: What instructional coaches should do to foster powerful improvements in teaching. Corwin.
Sweeney, D. (2020). Student-centered coaching: The essential guide for K–8 coaches and principals. Corwin.
Guskey, T. R. (2002). Does it make a difference? Evaluating professional development. Educational Leadership, 59(6), 45–51.

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