Assessing the impact of a coaching toolbox on professional growth and instructional practices in special education

Instructional coaching supports teachers in curriculum, behavior, classroom management, and emotional aspects. In special education, roles such as behavior specialists, teacher coaches, and supervisors often function as instructional coaches. While various coaching methods are documented in education literature, specific strategies for communication, documentation, and challenging conversations in special education coaching are scarce. This study explores the effectiveness of a coaching toolbox in enhancing professional development and support for educators. It integrates principles of business psychology, emphasizing individual personalities, diverse human interaction perspectives, and interpersonal skill development. A mixed-methods design, employing both quantitative and qualitative data, was used to measure the impact of the coaching toolbox. The study involved a pre and post-intervention design for the participants. Assessments measured participant satisfaction, perceived impact, and changes in mindset and gathered qualitative insights. Observational data from coaching sessions focused on the application and effectiveness of specific coaching tools. This research aims to create a comprehensive model for training special education staff in coaching, from direct instruction to implementation, enhancing the effectiveness of coaching methodologies in special educational settings.