The effect of coaching on the training and job effectiveness of SELPA directors in the state of California.

摘要

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to determine the degree to which one or more of three coaching approaches (collegial, technical, or challenge) assist male and female, first-year, and experienced SELPA directors develop the skills necessary to accomplish and/or enhance their job effectiveness.; Methodology. The subjects in the present study were seventy Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) administrators in the State of California. Subjects responded to a research instrument consisting of a fourteen-item questionnaire, an open-ended comments section, and a nine-item demographic survey. Data were analyzed to provide a quantitative description of SELPA directors' preferences for and use of coaching, and to determine if there were gender differences. The SASRTM t-test procedure for independent samples was utilized to determine if the difference between the frequency of female and male SELPA directors providing coaching was significant. The SASRTM Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was utilized as a nonparametric alternative to the t-test to validate the findings of the t-test procedure.; Findings. Examination of the quantitative data revealed that SELPA directors reported that coaching is an effective use of their time, and there was a significant gender difference revealing that female SELPA directors regard coaching as an effective use of time more than male SELPA directors.; Conclusions. The study data support the conclusion that coaching is an effective use of a SELPA director's time. SELPA directors reported that a formalized coaching process would be beneficial. The results of this study validated the importance of coaching in the training and job effectiveness of SELPA directors.; Recommendations. Further research is advised. A qualitative study focusing on the nature of coaching as it is applied to the skills of a SELPA director should be conducted. A study investigating the different modes of thinking between genders might provide insight into the gender differences in coaching preferences. It is recommended that the SELPA Organization consider developing a formalized coaching program that can be used for SELPA director training for both new and experienced SELPA directors. A program such as the one being piloted by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) for superintendents is worthy of consideration.