Giving critical feedback that quickly changes practice in high-stakes situations can be very difficult. This is often complicated by working with novice teachers in high-stress situations. Feedback needs to be clear, efficient, include learning, and a path to immediate implementation of the change.

Through research, I found analogous inspiration in how doctors and healthcare providers share bad news with patients. For years, they have used the SPIKES protocol to share news that is both unexpected and unwanted, but needs urgent action. Doing this in a way that allows the recipient of information to exercise agency is a difficult challenge and includes many parallels to work in education and other high stakes sectors.

I adapted the SPIKES protocol to fit the context and language of education and then prototyped using this approach with a small group of coaches. Through our conversations, I discovered challenges that coaches faced in planning for and setting up these conversations. Based on those challenges, I created a preparation guide for coaches to set themselves up for success with these conversations. Using a series of role plays and video-recorded conversations, I was able to continue iterating and improve the guide to set team members up for success.