The implementation of large-scale literacy initiatives by states and school districts to improve the effectiveness of teaching literacy is a complex process involving actors like administrators, teachers, and literacy coaches. So, how can teachers be certain that they are providing effective support? The Self-Study Guide for Evidence-Based Coaching for Literacy: PreK–Grade 12, published by the Institute of Education Sciences, and developed by the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southeast in partnership with the Improving Literacy Research Alliance, intends to (a) increase the knowledge, skills, and ability of teachers to implement evidence-based practices, (b) help literacy coaches to document and refine their instructional practices, and (c)  help schools, districts, or states to monitor and assess the effectiveness of literacy coaching.

To do so, the self-study guide includes four main components:

1. The Planning and Implementation Scoring Guide, which contains four areas–evidence-based practices of literacy coaches, principal-coach partnership agreements, hiring and training practices, and communication
2. The Implementation Consensus Rating Form, a tool for rating the implementation of the guide by all self-study team members through discussion and consensus.
3. The Planning Next Steps Form, which includes all the information recorded by the team and helps them prioritize the four areas of the first component based on the strength of evidence and importance for success.
4. The Action Plan Template, which is used by the facilitator to create a detailed plan to address those areas identified as in need of improvement.

The guide includes two appendixes, one that describes key references that provide further support for each area of the Planning and Implementation Scoring Guide, and the second that describes the four steps followed to develop the guide.

Source (Open Access): Lee, L., & Smith, K. G. (2021). Self-Study Guide for Evidence-Based Coaching for Literacy: PreK–Grade 12 (REL 2021–062). U. S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Regional Educational Laboratory Southeast. http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs