School Adds Coaching Tool For Teachers

The Wolf Point School District has added a coaching tool for teachers with the goal of improving the effectiveness of instructional practices.

DigiCOACH is the only walk-through tool to include hundreds of pre-written, research based, commendations and coaching tips available for use in the program’s built-in teacher feedback email feature.

“We’re using it to develop coaching tools and strategies,” Sarah Chambers, Wolf Point’s curriculum director, said.

Wolf Point High School Principal Kim Hanks added, “It’s a walk-thru tool.”

With the tool, administrators can watch teachers and immediately point out strengths and where our improvements are needed for quality instruction. The program allows administrators to collect data during classroom visits and guides them through five key focus areas.

Hanks explains administrators will observe classes for no more than five minutes, collect data and do a check list. Teachers will be sent an email featuring the administrator’s input. “We will use the data as a tool to see what we can do better,” Hanks said.

Chambers stressed that the program isn’t replacing evaluations but it’s just for walkthrus.

“All principals will utilize it to help increase effectiveness of instructional practices,” Chambers said.

Hanks added, “It’s a way to improve our teachers.”