Coaches are role models who are dedicated to their sport, students, and success. They plan and prepare carefully and methodically, their exercises are timed and plotted, and their practices are rarely interrupted or missed. And when it is time for the test on game day, they look for what was learned and what needs further improvement. All students deserve teachers who possess coaching qualities including love of subject, readiness to model and practice, commitment to success, and appreciation for winning. Compassion, patience, and understanding when students need additional help and support are also key ingredients to success.
All students deserve to be treated the way coaches treat student athletes.
Student scholars who need to prepare for the college admissions tests should be assigned an expert academic coach. Students who are failing should likewise be assigned a remedial academic coach. And let us not forget the silent majority of average students whose academic and non-traditional interests and needs are limited. I bet that if we coach remedial summer school and SAT test preparation with the same coaching zeal and commitment to success that coaches provide their athletes, more of our students will be shining stars, with higher achievement scores, fewer failing grades, and greater success in school and life.