The Instructional Consultation Facilitator: A Job Analysis

Abstract

Teams have become a primary vehicle for problem solving and decision-making in schools, but research on team leaders in schools is weak. Instructional Consultation (IC) Teams is a team-based early intervention program aiming to improve student achievement through changes in teacher beliefs and enhancement of teacher practices. The leader, or IC Facilitator, is a driving force of the program, responsible for team training and maintenance. A job analysis, conducted using a review of IC literature and training materials (known as a content analysis) and interviews with 12 facilitators, resulted in a comprehensive list of statements regarding tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities and attributes, and performance standards that characterize the job. Interview-generated statements are consistent with those outlined in training materials. Facilitators in this study also reported participation in additional tasks, outside of the expected role. Implications for training and recruitment and, limitations and directions for future research were explored.