The Literacy Coach's Handbook: A Guide to Research-Based Practice

by Sharon Walpole, Michael C. McKenna

This indispensable book gives preservice and practicing literacy coaches the tools they need to build a successful schoolwide reading program. The authors, well-known experts in the field, describe the literacy coach's crucial, evolving role in today's schools. They offer step-by-step guidelines for implementing curricula and assessments, selecting instructional materials, and planning for differentiation and intervention. Specific ways to support teachers by providing high-quality professional development are discussed. The book is grounded in research on PreK-5 instruction and the characteristics of effective coaches.

New to This Edition
*Incorporates the latest research and instructional materials.
*Expanded grade range now includes PreK and grades 4-5.
*Content on RTI and the Common Core standards is woven throughout.
*Strategies for making professional development more responsive to teachers' needs.

See also The Literacy Coaching Challenge , which guides more experienced coaches in choosing among different coaching models and addresses typical issues of implementation.

Genres: Teaching

252 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2004

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a treasure trove of info on being a literacy coach. I think my favorite section was the RtI section. I loved the idea that RtI really should be renamed Response to Instruction, instead of Intervention, since changing our instruction is what's going to have the biggest impact in our classrooms before tackling Tier 2 or Tier 3 issues.----------------------------More homework-oh-homework for my K-12 reading license class. That being said, the first few chapters that I read (chapters 1 and 5) have been informative. Chapter 1 told me all about literacy coaches and what they do and Chapter 5 covered the ins and outs of various kinds of assessments. Even with all of the testing talk that we have in our district, I still found some good food for thought in the assessment chapter. So far, so good.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd Textbook for a Literacy Coaching Class - much less personal than Cathy Toll's Literacy Coach Survival Guide - but also some very good, concrete chapters regarding testing, scheduling, and materials evaluation. Borrow from library -- not a staple you need to buy.

[Evalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was packed with information!