The IC Toolkit

Dr. Jim Knight, Founder and Senior Partner of Instructional Coaching Group (ICG), is also a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. He has spent more than two decades studying professional learning and instructional coaching. Jim earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. The pioneering work Jim and his colleagues have conducted has led to many innovations that are now central to professional development in schools. Jim wrote the first major article about instructional coaching for the Journal of Staff Development, and his book Instructional Coaching (2007) offered the first extended description of instructional coaching. Jim's book Focus on Teaching (2014) was the first extended description of how video should be used for professional learning. Recently, writing with Ann Hoffman, Michelle Harris, and Sharon Thomas, Jim introduced the idea of instructional playbooks with their book on that topic. Jim has written several books in addition to those described above, including Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021). Knight has also authored articles on instructional coaching and professional learning in publications such as Educational Leadership, The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Kappan. Jim is also a columnist for Educational Leadership and. Through ICG, Knight conducts coaching workshops, hosts the Facebook Live Program, "Coaching Conversations," and provides consulting for coaching programs around the world. Dr. Jessica Wise is a Virtual Consultant with the Instructional Coaching Group. Beginning her career in education in 2007, Jessica has held various roles including a classroom teacher, school-based instructional coach and intervention/gifted teacher, district literacy specialist, and then leadership & staff development instructional coach. Jessica received her doctoral degree in School Improvement from the University of West Georgia where her focus was facilitation of adult learning. When not working, Jessica enjoys hiking, movie night with her family, and reading. She lives in Georgia with her family. Michelle Harris has been in education since 1993, starting as a special education para, then a teacher, coach, and administrator. She is the co-author of Instructional Playbook: The Missing Link for Translating Research Into Practice and Evaluating Instructional Coaching: People, Programs, and Partnership. Michelle is is a seasoned staff developer and has presented and keynoted in the US, Canada, Africa, Asia, and Europe. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, two sons, a corgi, and two cats. Amy Musante is a Consultant with the Instructional Coaching Group. She began her journey in education in 1998 and has served in many roles to support students and diverse school communities. Her experience as a Language Arts teacher, Secondary Schools Intervention Specialist and District Director of Coaching Programming (UPK-12) has provided her with experience that informs her work continuously. She received her MA from Teachers College, Columbia University and has done considerable work partnering with the University post-graduation. In her free time Amy loves spending time in nature, traveling with her family and cheering on Buffalo sports teams.

Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Chapter 1 - The Partnership Principles Chapter 2 - Communication Skills Chapter 3 - Coaches as Leaders Chapter 4 - The Impact Cycle Chapter 5 - Data Chapter 6 - The Instructional Playbook Chapter 7 - System Support Conclusion References

"Jim Knight seems to have 'magic' in his coaching skills, and I marvel at his successes. I have read his books, but the secret sauce evades me. This is the coaches' instructional bible that shows the way and more than changes how we increase the impact of our teaching; it explains how to change lives. It starts from the humility and courage of the coach, the listening and responsive skills, and the attentiveness to the impact on the coach and the coached. Including guidance on how to have coaching conversations, build faith in people to improve, invoke deep work to make deep change, and implement PEERS goals, Knight and colleagues provide a comprehensive guide to high-impact coaching." -- John Hattie, Melbourne Laureate Professor Emeritus "Jim Knight and the ICG, who we rely upon to stay current on research and best practices in the world of instructional coaching, are back with a must-read for elevating our coaching knowledge, skills, and practice! Readers will find the unique structure of this text appealing. The authors have curated learning paths that include a compilation of vetted resources, adaptable protocols, and reflection questions for processing both independently and collaboratively. This form of inquiry is designed to move us from simply learning about coaching to considering why and how to integrate the essential "Success Factors" into the dynamic work of a coach! This interactive toolkit should be part of every coach and coach champion's collection!" -- Marquitis Adams "Another great book from Jim Knight and the team at ICG. Full of great ideas and strategies to help anyone improve and hone their instructional coaching skills. I love the Learning Pathways and the way the book has been structured simply and clearly around the seven factors for success, starting with a guiding question, followed by a tailored article, linked to activities and resources. This book is a must read for everyone, coaches, teachers and leaders." -- Mark Verde "As second-year coaches, the IC Toolkit is exactly what we were looking for to continue our learning after the 16 Week Virtual Coaching Institute. Written in a way that respects professional autonomy and choice, it digs deeper into the Seven Success Factors, while providing ample opportunity for reflection and dialogue with colleagues. Our team can always count on the Instructional Coaching Group for timely, relevant, evidence-based, and actionable ideas and strategies that we can implement to improve our practice. We highly recommend the IC Toolkit for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, or administrators who seek to continually cultivate their curiosity through ongoing professional learning and development." -- Lauren Bernstein; Tricia Burbank; Leah Dowd; Laurie Higgins