An evidence-based coaching methodology that drives scalable student success
Our research philosophy
At InsideTrack, we use research to help us further our impact. Our research is grounded in empirical, rigorous inquiry that’s intended to continuously evaluate and improve the effectiveness of our coaching programs.
We utilize direct data and systemic observation to measure outcomes, ensuring our methodologies are proven, replicable and consistently refined. We evaluate coaching effectiveness across diverse learner populations, giving us a broad and reliable picture of current learner needs and real-world impact. Our evidence-based approach drives every decision we make, from program design to service delivery.
Our commitment to data means our partners can trust that our coaching model is continuously tested, measured and improved to advance all learners.
InsideTrack Coaching is validated by rigorous research
We don't just believe in the power of coaching. We prove it through a relentless commitment to evidence-based outcomes. Explore a few examples of the rigorous, independent studies and comprehensive data reviews that validate our coaching methodology a proven intervention for driving learner success.
Peer-reviewed study shows that better coach training improves learner persistence
A peer-reviewed study in the International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education evaluates how high-quality coach training programs create a direct link between coaching competencies and long-term benefits for learners. By using the InsideTrack Coaching Certification (ICC) program as a case illustration, the research seeks to objectively understand the specific drivers behind positive student outcomes.
This publication represents an industry-first: InsideTrack is the only coaching program with a Coaching Model Theory of Change that explicitly highlights evidence of effectiveness. By establishing this foundational roadmap, we are setting a new bar for rigor in student support interventions. Ultimately, this review finds that truly effective coaching, which directly impacts learner outcomes, requires the proper development of coaches’ competencies.
InsideTrack Coaching Model Theory of Change
InsideTrack’s Coaching Model Theory of Change illustrates that student success is the result of a deliberate, research-confirmed chain of events.
High-quality coach training serves as the foundation for effective student support
The InsideTrack Coaching Certification centers on five core goals for coaches-in-training: relationship building, building motivation, assessing, advancing and strategizing.
Coaches develop stronger competencies as a result of rigorous training
As a result of these goals, coaches develop self-efficacy, interpersonal reflection, active listening skills, and emotional and diversity intelligence to better meet learners where they are.
Enhanced coach competencies lead to higher-quality coaching interactions
Coaches can then build an effective coaching environment for learners by creating a safe space, identifying opportunities for growth, guiding learners to create their own goals and plans, and building student confidence.
Meaningful coaching interactions result in positive learner outcomes
When learners experience high-quality coaching, they ultimately develop a stronger sense of resilience, self-belief, sharpened listening skills, trust in the coaching process, accountability for their actions, and a growth mindset — ultimately improving student persistence and success.
Landmark study finds that coaching significantly increases student persistence and completion
A study by Stanford researchers Dr. Rachel Baker and Dr. Eric Bettinger evaluated the effectiveness of InsideTrack Coaching as a student success intervention, testing whether individualized coaching could overcome barriers to completion.
They measured the performance of 13,555 students across eight different two-year, four-year, public, and private colleges and universities — finding that students randomly assigned to a coach were 5.2% more likely to still be enrolled after six months and 5.3% more likely after 12 months. These significant increases in student persistence and graduation continued even after the coaching period ended. What’s more, the study found that coaching increased graduation rates by 4% for participating cohorts, ultimately concluding that InsideTrack Coaching provides a dependable framework for long-term learner success.
Coaching impact persists through graduation
Results from the Baker & Bettinger study show that increases in graduation and retention rates of coached students continued even after the coaching period ended — at least two years after graduation.
Coaching that meets the high-evidence standards of the Department of Education
InsideTrack’s coaching methodology has been recognized as high-impact and high-evidence by the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) — one of the only postsecondary coaching programs to meet these rigorous standards. Following an evaluation of our large-scale randomized controlled trials, the WWC awarded InsideTrack its highest possible rating. This distinction confirms that our results are not just anecdotal, but statistically significant — highlighting that students who received InsideTrack coaching were significantly more likely to remain enrolled at their institutions compared to their peers.
Coaching has a proven impact on institutions and learners
Coached stop-outs re-enrolled at 4x higher rate than their peers
The California Reconnect initiative is a three-year effort focused on re-engaging learners who have some college credit but no credential. A third-party evaluation by Education Northwest confirmed that personalized coaching is the primary driver of this success, finding that learners across 20 partner institutions who engaged with a coach re-enrolled at four times the rate of those who did not. By combining data-informed outreach with dedicated success coaching, California Reconnect provides a scalable roadmap for refining re-enrollment strategies and overcoming the complex barriers that keep students from returning to school.
Midwest community college boasts 18% higher retention through coaching
Illinois Central College (ICC) partnered with InsideTrack on a comprehensive, four-year student success redesign in order to create long-term institutional transformation — and found that, after implementing direct coaching, students achieved an 18% higher retention rate than their non-coached peers. Through InsideTrack Coaching Development and Training, ICC advisors integrated our evidence-based methodology directly into the core of their support model, allowing them to truly partner with learners to map personalized career pathways while building the resilience needed for persistence and completion.
Institutions scale internal capacity to deliver lasting student and staff outcomes
To elevate support for their students, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and the University of Utah (the U) equipped their own staff to scale comprehensive success programs in-house for the long haul — with campus-wide success. The U achieved significant gains in persistence and retention among first-generation and Pell-eligible learners, while UMGC successfully scaled its impact by training all 189 success coaches to support 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Watch the on-demand webinar to learn more.
Holistic coaching solutions proven to advance all learners and tailored to fit institutional needs
At InsideTrack, we deliver human-powered, tech-enabled coaching solutions rooted in 25 years of proven results. Every program is designed to meet each institution’s learners exactly where they are, providing the evidence-based framework needed to drive persistence, completion and upward social mobility. When you partner with us, you’re choosing a coaching methodology proven to advance all learners.
InsideTrack training programs vetted by the highest quality standards
InsideTrack is a proud IACET-Accredited Provider of Continuing Education Units. As an IACET-Accredited Provider, InsideTrack offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.
InsideTrack’s Foundational Coaching Training and the InsideTrack Coaching Certification program have also been approved for the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Continuing Coach Education credits. Coaches accredited via ICF programs can use our curriculum to satisfy the rigorous continuing education requirements for maintaining their ICF certification.