The Instructional Coach’s Toolkit

Meet the HoS: Leslie Hoagland from BASIS Benbrook

In this episode, Sean Clark sits down with Leslie Hoagland, Head of School at BASIS Benbrook, to discuss instructional coaching, teacher support, and fostering a growth-oriented school culture. Leslie shares insights on building collaborative relationships with teachers, ensuring walkthroughs are meaningful rather than evaluative, and the importance of peer observation. Whether you're a new instructional coach or a veteran educator, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for empowering teachers and enhancing student learning.

Memory Building, Part 2

In this episode, we continue our exploration of research-backed learning strategies that improve student retention and comprehension. Last time, we focused on retrieval practice and spaced practice. This time, we introduce three additional strategies: interleaving, dual coding, and elaboration. These methods help students recognize patterns, connect concepts visually, and deepen their understanding through explanation. Instructional coaches will learn practical ways to support teachers in implementing these techniques effectively.
 

Memory Building, Part 1

This episode provides instructional coaches with practical strategies to help teachers implement two high-impact learning techniques: retrieval practice and spaced practice. By shifting classroom questioning techniques, incorporating low-stakes quizzes, and using spaced review methods, coaches can support teachers in enhancing student retention and deep learning. The guide includes easy-to-implement coaching tips, planning strategies, and ways to model these techniques in the classroom. Even small adjustments in teaching practices can lead to long-term learning gains for students.

Coaching Entry & Exit Routines for Strong Classrooms

The first and last five minutes of class can make or break a lesson. In this episode, we dive into how instructional coaches can help teachers build strong entry and exit routines using CHAMPS and Teach Like a Champion strategies. We analyze common classroom challenges—like students trickling in without urgency or packing up too early—then "rewind" and fix them with clear, structured strategies. Learn how to coach teachers on using Threshold, Do Now, Exit Tickets, and Strong Dismissal to create smooth, productive transitions that maximize instructional time. Practical, actionable coaching guidance you can use right away!

Checks for Understanding

In this episode of The Instructional Leaders' Toolkit, we explore Checks for Understanding (CFU)—essential techniques to ensure students are actively learning and engaged. Learn how to implement Targeted Questioning, Show Me, and Cold Call with No Opt Out to gather real-time data, adjust instruction, and boost student participation. Whether you're a teacher or an instructional coach, these strategies will help create a dynamic and responsive classroom. Tune in for actionable insights and coaching tips to make CFU a seamless part of everyday instruction!