Effect of Coaching 1 Running Head: EFFECT OF COACHING Is Professional Training Enough? The Effect of Coaching in the Practice of Early Literacy Instruction

This project explores the effectiveness of an early literacy coaching model on the teaching behaviors and classroom environments of early childhood educators. Thirty-six preschool centers, serving high poverty communities in the Midwest region, were randomly assigned to one of two groups (coaching and control). The coaching group received training and ongoing coaching on early literacy for thirteen months. The control group received similar training with no ongoing coaching. To evaluate the impact of coaching both groups have been evaluated through direct observations using the Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO). Compared to the control group, the coaching group scored significantly higher in the ELLCO and showed greater change over time. Results indicate that there has been great improvement in both classroom environment and literacy teacher behaviors in preschool centers that have been receiving ongoing early literacy coaching