Results & Data

Data and Focus Groups

During the course of the program, we accumulated both qualitative and quantitative data to support the process of Basic Coaching Conversations with youth.

The Qualitative information — as exhibited by the quotes and videos of the teens found on this website — are overwhelmingly affirmative. Similarly, the quotes and videos of our dedicated and wonderful volunteers speak to the benefits of the program.

The Amphitheater School District helped accumulate quantitative data based on three key markers: behavioral referrals, grades, and absenteeism. Our findings were affirmative and so were the results (although not purely evidence-based).

At the end of each year, Focus Groups were held to assess the validity and benefit of the coaching the teens had received. The sessions were made consistent from group to group with the same interviewer, use of questions, and opportunity for the teens to answer privately on anonymous cards as well as share with the group voluntarily.

The feedback was highly supportive of the coaching process and the benefits the teens received from their experience.

Focus Group Notes/Comments

  1. There was no other program offered like this at school in which teens had an opportunity to be supported with the focus entirely on them.
  2. It was great to have someone listen to them without being judged.
  3. Although the TPC Coaching Office was great, the preference was for the continuity of 1:1 coaching.
  4. The TPC Coaching Office provided a great way to get a sense of what coaching is before committing to an ongoing coaching relationship.
  5. There was more of a bond in the 1:1 coaching because, as one student said, “I didn’t have to explain myself all over again.”
  6. Several students offered that they:
    • are more open minded
    • see opportunities they wouldn’t have seen without coaching
    • can create more choices
    • are calmer emotionally
    • are more comfortable with change
    • feel freer than before
    • are able to plan their lives better
    • have a better sense of where they are going
    • are ready to be more independent and need to do so in college and as an adult
    • have a better sense of who they are and what they want to do.

    Focus group led by Joan Martin for teens in TPC program
    Focus group led by Joan for teens in TPC program
  7. Other students said:
    • “Because the focus was entirely on me, it helped me get unstuck.”
    • “I would favor coaching groups — spending time with other matches and learning from them and their experiences.”
    • “I’d be interested in an after-school Coaching Club building community. The problem is transportation and other commitments as well as safety.”
    • “Having a Coaching Office in college would be helpful.”
    • “I would be interested in peer mentoring.”
    • “Touch Point has given me the resources to live my life in confidence.”

Reports

Preliminary Analysis

2007 – 2011 Initial Analysis

Coaching Teens… Building Futures

Students Say…

“Talking with someone helped me to understand what was right and wrong.”
“Coaching was a moment where I could just talk about what I want.”
“Since I started working with a coach I'm way more confident and I don't care if people judge me.”
“I connected with my coach. I wasn’t afraid to tell her personal stuff. I could trust her because I wasn’t being judged.”
“Before coaching I was getting C's and D's. Now I am getting A's and B's on my report card.”
“Because of coaching, my life is better because I can actually meet my goals and reach for my future goals.   I'm stronger and more positive since having a coach.”
“It was good. My coach helped me a lot with organizing my life.”
“My coach and I worked on a graph so I could organize my time better. I was getting C’s and D’s on my progress report, now I am getting A’s and B’s on my report card.”
“Before my coaching I had no ideas of what to do after high school. Now I have ideas on how to reach my goals.”
“I learned that I can be independent and don’t have to rely on others, but can get support when I feel I need it.”
“I used to think of myself as lazy and a failure. Since I've had a coach, my perspective is different and now I can see myself being successful.”
“My coach didn’t judge me and tell me I was throwing away my life.”
“I had someone who just listened. When I had a question there was a combination of getting ideas from him, and figuring out myself.”
“Our relationship was more about a friendship. I have told him secrets - things about myself I have not told anyone else.”
“It felt good to have an adult in my life that I could trust and didn’t judge me.”
“Before my coaching I had no idea of what to do after high school; now I have ideas on how to reach goals I didn’t know I had.”
“I know now that when I have a problem there are different ways to solve it other than violence.”
“When asked what makes an ideal coach, she responded: "Somebody who listens to my opinions and helps me get more ideas about what I want.”
“Coaching has given me the strength to show the world what I've got and what I can do. I have learned to not limit my challenges but challenge my limits.”
“I had somebody who would help me set up steps to reach my goals. It wasn't complicated, she made it simple. It was positive, and I had the ability to identify those steps.”
“At first we just talked, it felt good to talk to someone and really trust them.”
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