Opening the Black Box of Leadership Coaching: Principals' Opportunity to Learn From Feedback

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Knowledge and Development Perceptions of Novice Principals

Abstract

This paper analyzes 214 transcribed coaching sessions from a program in which principals receive faculty feedback on their leadership and work with coaches to improve their ratings. We specifically examine whether coaching behaviors promote learning through an Open to Learning (OTL) perspective that encourages learning by helping principals to articulate, evaluate and revise the thinking and action that informs their pursuit of professional development and school improvement goals. The results suggest that coaches infrequently implement behaviors that would help principals learn from feedback. The paper raises questions about the training and skills needed in coaching for principal development as well as the plausible efficacy of coaching programs for school leaders.

Authors

• Ellen B. Goldring, Vanderbilt University

• Laura Rogers Jackins, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Susan Kemper Patrick, Peabody College - Vanderbilt University

• Viviane M. Robinson, University of Auckland