Hardy County rolls out state-funded academic coaches tied to 3rd Grade Success Act

Emily Morris, principal at East Hardy Elementary, and the newly appointed academic coaches described a countywide initiative funded through a state grant linked to the 3rd Grade Success Act. Morris said the county was one of 22 selected for the grant and emphasized that the coaching positions are fully grant-funded in year one. "So I'm Emily Morris, and I am the principal at East Hardy Elementary," she said in introducing the team.

Presenters described a student-centered coaching model adapted from Diane Sweeney’s approach: coaches spend about 60% of their time in full 4–6 week coaching cycles (co-planning and co-teaching, with pre/post assessments and data-driven learning targets) and 40% in mini‑cycles and grade-level planning. They stressed the role is non-evaluative and intended to partner with teachers to lift student performance. "Coaching is not a sign that something is wrong. It's a sign that growth matters," one coach said.

Board members asked about whether teacher participation is voluntary; presenters said administrators will set expectations but rollout will prioritize receptive teachers and new staff. The coaches plan to complete a first round of cycles by Christmas and to use formative assessments mid-year and at year-end to measure growth. The district also flagged that the one‑year funding horizon means future years' staffing depends on continued state funding or local decisions; presenters said the state indicated ongoing interest but the future beyond the first year was "not specified."