“This book would be extremely useful for instructing future literacy coaches in their job requirements and the execution of these responsibilities. Experienced coaches, principals, and administrators will also find valuable strategies for improving instructional programs. The use of assessment data to provide systematic professional development based on adult learning theories and coaching models makes this a 'must read' for anyone dealing with coaching.”

—Sandra D. Meyers, EdD, Education Associate, Reading, Delaware Department of Education


“This book should be required reading for school administrators and literacy coaches. It describes multiple models of literacy coaching and provides helpful suggestions for creating a strong literacy program, including approaches to professional development, assessment, and classroom- and grade-level instruction. McKenna and Walpole provide rich examples of how these models can be implemented in our schools. They promote a shared leadership approach that empowers and involves many individuals within the learning community.”

—David W. Gaston, EdD, Principal, Berkeley Middle School, Williamsburg, Virginia


“Coaching and educational leadership go hand in hand, and this exemplary book highlights the various strategies for success in these areas. As an elementary school coach, I have had positive results with my teachers using the subject-specific coaching delineated by McKenna and Walpole. This book emphasizes a most powerful aspect of coaching: helping teachers reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. The coaching strategies presented here focus not only on the elementary grades but on middle and upper schools as well, making this a valuable resource for anyone working to bring about lasting, positive, systematic change in a school at any level.”

—Ginger Parris, EdS, literacy coach, Wrens Elementary School, Wrens, Georgia


“The Literacy Coaching Challenge is a thorough and honest review of the difficulties related to effective coaching. District personnel, administrators, and coaches will benefit from McKenna and Walpole's overview of coaching models and from their recommendations regarding effective implementation. The book includes charts and templates that can be used by coaches in any setting as organizational tools for data gathering. Descriptions of a successful coach 'on the job' in a variety of grade levels provide a realistic view of the many decisions that coaches must make while they work to improve instruction in schools throughout the country.”

—Judy Mullins, fifth-grade teacher, Lone Oak Elementary School, Spartanburg, South Carolina