NEEDS Assessments
Instructional Coaching
Research shows that instructional coaching is the most impactful means to improving classroom teacher effectiveness.
The following skillset requirements are demonstrated by our consultants:
1) Being able to explain and demonstrate best teaching practices
2) The ability to build trust and rapport with teachers
3) The tact to deliver constructive feedback in a way that doesn’t make others defensive
4) Comfort giving feedback to improve teaching
Our support involves shoulder-to-shoulder modeling, planning, and coteaching with Louisiana teachers. We believe that walk-through feedback cycles can identify needs however, teachers may not know how or what to do with the information in order to improve. That is why our consultants are experienced and trained to help teachers unpack and implement the curriculum as well as meet the needs of students using data to inform instruction.
Every teacher has different needs on the path to excellent instruction. For some teachers it could be planning, for others it may be pedagogy, classroom management, student engagement, differentiation, interventions, or analyzing data. Our consultants offer deep expertise and they have lived and practiced the work.
School improvement
Professional Development for Improving Teaching and Learning
New Directions consultants implement a process that enables a continuous cycle of learning with adjustments based on observation and outcome data.
Our coaches lead teachers through identifying goals based on data, designing and implementing plans using Tier 1 Curriculum resources, tracking results, assessing impact, and enhancing the plan on an ongoing basis.
New Directions consultants apply their expertise collaboratively with school personnel to set goals and create a detailed plan of action and shoulder to shoulder support focused on the following areas:
● Fidelity to Tier 1 high quality curricula used to prepare for instruction, including unpacking units, pacing, annotating lesson plans and identifying research based supports for diverse learners
● Literacy practices that utilize interventions and foundational skills
● Effective lessons for all students that target achievement gaps in diverse learners
● Writing strategies including Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning
● Utilizing backward design to ensure instruction and learning are based on assessments
● Collective analysis of student work and needs
● Reflections by teachers of their own practice
Contact Information
For additional information on how we can customize job embedded or virtual professional development for your school or district, please contact Ginger Merritt, Sales and Marketing CEO for New Directions Educational Solutions, at (318)-614-4224 or at