Build a sustainable future for your school. Get a free sustainability audit using the SIP framework, in partnership with the NGA.
Back to Insights

Coaching for Growth: How SchooliP Aligns with Modern Coaching Models for School Improvement

Andy Goodeve

Introduction

The landscape of professional development in education is undergoing a significant change. Traditional, top-down appraisal processes are increasingly being replaced by more dynamic, supportive, and growth-oriented coaching models. These models, such as GROW, OSCAR, CLEAR, and GREAT, empower educators to take ownership of their development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

At the forefront of this shift, platforms like SchooliP are proving invaluable, providing the digital infrastructure to support these sophisticated coaching approaches. A prime example is the Leathersellers' Federation of Schools, which is actively adopting the GROW model to replace its traditional appraisal process, signalling a powerful move towards genuine professional growth.

SchooliP seamlessly aligns with various coaching models, enabling schools like Leathersellers' to cultivate a thriving, reflective, and high-performing staff.

The Coaching Revolution: A Shift from Appraisal to Growth

The core philosophy behind modern coaching models is that individuals possess the capacity for growth and problem-solving. The coach's role is not to dictate, but to encourage self-discovery, accountability, and action. This aligns perfectly with the aspirations of progressive school leadership.

1. The GROW Model: Guiding Towards Goals

The GROW model is perhaps the most widely recognised and foundational coaching framework. It stands for:

SchooliP Alignment: The GROW model finds a natural home in SchooliP's objective-setting and review functionalities. Leaders can set up specific "GROW conversations" within a staff member's portfolio. The system allows for:

Leathersellers' Federation & GROW: By adopting GROW, Leathersellers' is moving away from a traditional appraisal system to one focused on individual development. SchooliP provides the digital space for these conversations to be recorded, monitored, and used as a living document of growth, rather than a static judgment. This ensures consistency across the Federation while empowering individual teachers.

2. The OSCAR Model: Outcome-Focused Coaching

OSCAR expands on GROW, adding a stronger emphasis on outcomes and resources:

SchooliP Alignment: SchooliP's robust evidence-gathering capabilities and customisable review forms are ideal for OSCAR. The system allows for:

3. The CLEAR Model: Building Self-Awareness and Action

CLEAR emphasises clarity and learning:

SchooliP Alignment: SchooliP supports the CLEAR model by providing:

4. The GREAT Model: Performance-Focused Coaching

GREAT is often used for performance-focused coaching:

The Future of Professional Growth

The shift from traditional appraisal to coaching models like GROW, OSCAR, CLEAR, and GREAT is a testament to a more advanced approaches to professional development. It recognises that genuine growth comes from empowerment, reflection, and continuous support, not just periodic judgment.

For MATs and Federations like Leathersellers', adopting the coaching models like GROW through SchooliP means:

By embracing these coaching models and using the power of SchooliP, schools are not just improving individual performance; they are building vibrant, learning-centred cultures where every member of staff is supported to reach their full potential, ultimately benefiting the students they serve.

Beyond the Classroom Door: The Shift to Developmental Monitoring in Education

Read More