Using the Reimagining Instructional Coaching Framework in the Development of Pre-K Classroom Observation Tools

Abstract

Observation tools that measure the quality of children’s classroom experiences are a key component of pre-K quality improvement initiatives. However, the information provided by these tools has limitations for improving the quality of instruction for the full range of pre-K program types, even when supported by an instructional coach. This report describes a formative evaluation that used the Reimagining Instructional Coaching Framework – a set of user-informed principles for developing pre-K classroom observation tools that can help improve teacher practices through instructional coaching – to evaluate a pilot implementation of a new observational tool. The Coaching & Informal Observation Tool was developed by Teachstone using participatory design methods that engaged educators to identify key elements of instructional coaching that the tool should support, common challenge areas for teachers that the tool should address, and an ideal coaching process that would best support teacher practice.

Findings are organized around four user-informed principles related to the tool’s usefulness, content, user experience, and scalability. The formative evaluation found that that tool is useful for both coaches and teachers, and it incorporates many of the user-informed principles and key elements of the coaching process identified in the co-design phase of tool development. It also revealed potential issues that should be addressed to support the usefulness and scalability of the tool. First, the scalability of the tool is limited by user-experience challenges and, relatedly, by the intensive expert support needed for implementation. Second, further exploration is needed to understand how the tool will effectively integrate information on the broader program and classroom contexts or how it will support teachers over a longer period of time. The report concludes with considerations for others looking to use the Reimagining Instructional Coaching framework in the development of classroom observation tools.

This work is part of the Reimagining Instructional Coaching in Early Education (RICiEE) initiative. Learn more on the RiCiEE webpage.