Coaching in Early Grade Reading Programs: Evidence, Experiences, and Recommendations

This resource expands on the information provided by Bean (2014) in The power of coaching: Improving early grade reading instruction in developing countries by including additional experiences and lessons learned, as well as specific considerations and activities to be undertaken when planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating coaching activities. The content was informed by a review of existing literature on pedagogical coaching, early grade reading (EGR) program coaching documents and conversations with individuals involved in coaching activities supported by USAID. It also grows out of the webinar and training module Coaching in early grade reading programs developed by REACH in collaboration with the Global Reading Network, which readers are encouraged to explore.

The purpose of this resource is twofold. First, it summarizes research on coaching and EGR program experiences so that the diverse stakeholders involved in designing and implementing coaching programs are better informed. Second, the resource provides guidance on key aspects of coaching, from coach support and training to monitoring and evaluation. It is designed to be informative and accessible to the diversity of organizations and individuals involved in the design, implementation, evaluation and scale up of EGR programs, as well as other efforts to improve teacher professional development.