ADOLESCENT LITERACY COACHING PROJECT (ALCP)

ALCP Year 1 Evaluation Report (2007) by Patricia J. Kannapel

Differences in Literacy Environment and CATS Scores in Schools With Literacy Coaches and Schools Without Coaches (Addendum to Year 1 Evaluation Report) by Patricia J. Kannapel

Description of the Research

Purpose

The Adolescent Literacy Coaching Project (ALCP) was created by state legislation in 2005 (House Bill 93) to train reading coaches in statewide institutes to help teachers improve student literacy skills.  Preparation and support for literacy coaches is provided by the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (housed in the University of Kentucky College of Education), in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Education.  The ALCP Evaluation will assess the effectiveness of the training program for coaches, as measured by the effectiveness of the coaching model in improving school and teacher support for literacy and ultimately, in improving student literacy skills.  The research will not evaluate the performance of individual coaches or schools, but instead will report findings across sites.

Study Objectives:

  • To determine how literacy coaches are selected, prepared, and supported in their work.
  • To identify and describe the work of literacy coaches, and how this differs across sites.
  • To identify ways in which the work of the coaches influences school and teacher planning and practices.
  • To identify ways in with the work of the coaches influences students and student learning.

Study Design 

The research will involve observations of training institutes and meetings held for the coaches, interviews with coaches and ALCP staff, surveys of teachers in schools served by coaches, review of relevant documents (such as school improvement plans and school-level test results), and case study visits to a small sample of schools.  The case study visits will involve observing the work of coaches, and interviewing coaches and school staff.  Participation in any and all components of the research is voluntary. 

Confidentiality

While the identity of schools participating in the ALCP is publicly available, any data gathered in conjunction with this research will be coded for anonymity, and will be stored in a secure location at the office of the lead researcher.  Pseudonyms will be assigned to schools and individuals, and used in any communication of findings outside the research team.

Reporting of Study Results

Study results will be reported annually to staff at the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD).  Generally, data will be analyzed across sites and reported in that same manner.  A few examples may be used to illustrate points, but pseudonyms will be used in any and all reports.  The CCLD may choose to disseminate study findings more widely; for instance, in policy journals, professional newsletters, or on their website.

Contact Information

Questions or concerns about the research may be directed to:

  • Lead researcher Patricia J. Kannapel, 1031 E. Breckinridge St., Louisville, KY 40204; 502/581-0324, pkannapel@bellsouth.net, or,
  • Principal investigator Felicia Cumings Smith, Collaborative Center for Literacy Development, 120 Quinton Court, Suite 200, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40509, 859/257-8220, felicia.smith@uky.edu.