Reading First Coach Job Description
Reading First is a federal program of the U.S. Department of Education designed to assist states and local school boards in developing "high quality, comprehensive reading instruction for all children kindergarten to the third grade." Coaching is one of the means by which this is accomplished. Coaches work on-site with teachers and administrators to help set goals for, develop and improve effective reading programs and strategies that are research-based.
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The Reading First Program
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The goal of Reading First is for all American schoolchildren to be able to read well by the end of the third grade so they will have a better chance at academic success in the future. This is accomplished through scientific research-based programs and instruction and begins with providing strategic professional development plans to teachers and administrators along with materials and needed funding. Reading First also provides continued on-site support and guidance to teachers through coaches.
What Is Reading First Coaching?
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Coaching in the Reading First program is not designed to be a method of evaluation or administration. Instead, coaching is a "professional development delivery model that has been shown to improve instruction." This model begins by focusing on training and then extends that training through continuous on-site support and guidance. Depending on the administration needs, coaching can be provided on a one-on-one basis or in small groups or can be delivered based on grade level, department or skill level.
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Roles
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The duties of the Reading First coach are varied. Coaches provide professional development opportunities catered specifically to the needs of the Reading First staff and based on scientific research. They must demonstrate effective strategies for implementing what is considered the five essential elements of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics and word study, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. They must be able to explain why certain strategies and assessments are effective, and be able to demonstrate expertise in these strategies and Reading First program assessments. They provide and lead presentations on needed strategies and deliver large group workshops. They consult both one-on-one and in teams with teachers and administrators to identify areas of need and are a source of materials and new ideas to help meet those needs. Lastly, coaches provide a bridge between teachers and the school administration in regard to designing and implementing reading programs.
Skills and Qualifications
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Reading First coaches must be knowledgeable and experienced with teaching and the fundamentals of reading programs. Most are former teachers. They must also demonstrate a knowledge of scientifically based research and assessments, as well as commercially based reading programs. They must demonstrate trustworthiness and a willingness to embrace the coaching model as a means to address professional development needs. They are strong listeners and communicators. They must be proactive and have strong managerial skills. They must be supportive and flexible when working with teachers in order to determine the specific needs of a particular classroom.
Benefits
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Reading First provides a way for coaches to take their skills and knowledge and use them to help benefit and potentially change the lives of children across America. Coaches have the opportunity to play a role in changing the way literacy is taught and affect overall student achievement. As part of the Reading First program, coaches are high profile leaders in reading program implementation. The program can be a fun and exciting endeavor not only for those being coached, but for the coaches themselves.
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References
- Photo Credit little girl reading book image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
