Professional learning is a common strategy for influencing and supporting the use of evidence-based practices in schools and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, and enhancing learning outcomes for children and young people. This research summary outlines early evidence from a research project on coaching. The research project is a randomised controlled trial involving 22 schools in Victoria, working with over 200 foundation to year 2 teachers, support staff and school leaders.  

Early findings suggest that external professional learning is valued by school leaders as a strategy to support practice change. 

Early findings

• External professional learning is a way to access expertise and knowledge that can be shared within the school.
• Professional learning delivered by an external provider offers consistency and structured guidance within schools.
• The external professional learning provider is a source of reliable support and clarity.
• External professional learning can support the goals, direction and objectives of the school.