The Coaching Experience of 16 Urban Principals

This study followed 16 principals in an urban district who were assigned leadership coaches for 6 months. Coaches were provided to principals who were of low-performing schools or new to the position. The study was part of a descriptive evaluation to examine (1) what principals and coaches actually did and (2) what impact the coaching experience had on principals’ beliefs and actions. The findings indicate that coaches and principals spent most of their time together visiting classrooms and discussing feedback and support for teachers. Most principals in the study indicated that the coaching experience had a positive impact.