The purpose of this study was to identify and describe elements that may influence the effective planning and implementation of writing coach programs at small newspapers.Writing coaching at newspapers is becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve the writing abilities of reporters, to improve newsroom morale, to improve the relationship between reporters and editors, and to better serve newspaper readers. This study examined newspaper writing coach programs from an adult and continuing education program planning perspective.This study was qualitative, and was not intended to be generalized to any population. It was intended to provide information that may help the management and staff at small newspapers plan and implement writing coach programs effectively.Two techniques were used to obtain information: 1) telephone interviews with writing coaches, and 2) mini case study site visits to top editors at small newspapers.Ten writing coaches, located throughout the United States, were interviewed by telephone. The coaches selected for interviews were recommended by their peers as being among the most effective coaches in the country. Domain and taxonomic analyses were conducted of the interview transcripts. The study resulted in information relevant to eight areas related to planning and implementing newspaper writing coach programs: benefits, reasons, barriers, budgets, organizational climate, strengths and weaknesses, structure, and evaluation.Site visits were made to seven small newspapers. Before the visits, the top editors at the seven papers were sent a summary of the information gathered in the writing coach interviews. The editors were asked to react to the interview summary and to share their thoughts on planning and implementing writing coach programs at their newspapers. The site visits resulted in seven mini case studies, each containing a narrative section and a conclusions section.Following the interviews and site visits, a general model was recommended for planning and implementing effective writing coach programs at small newspapers. The Coaching Way of Life Model describes assumptions upon which a coaching program should be based, and describes the role of a coaching facilitator at a small newspaper. / Department of Educational Leadership

“The Weight of Expectations: Deciphering Baggage and Defining Character in ‘Olivia’s Retreat’” charts the conception and development of Stacey Ashworth’s feature length sibling drama while also discussing the subsequent lessons she learned over its seven month evolution. / text