How can we avoid the "why new teachers cry" phenomenon and the high dropout rate for beginning teachers? Start teacher preparation with an introductory foundations class that is experience based and allows students to study themselves and their preferences for teaching styles, learning styles, and classroom management by living through case…

This study compares the experiences and perceptions of new and experienced teachers in 235 schools in six western states (Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming) that have adopted the Reading First school reform initiative. Using previously collected data from surveys and interviews, the study considers four areas of the reform…

Studied the contextual supervision (CS) model that has been developed and applied in several practicum settings and synthesized research findings on the effectiveness of CS in assisting faculty supervisors and cooperating teachers in mentoring preservice teachers. Findings show that the CS model has the potential to help supervisory personnel with…

The article suggests that though narrative inquiry as a research methodology entails free conversations and personal stories, yet it should not be totally free and fictional as it has to conform to some recognized standards used for conducting educational research. Hence, a qualitative study conducted by Russ (1999) was explored as an exemplar…

Understanding what makes an effective teacher, as well as how teachers sort by their effectiveness across schools, is central to understanding and addressing student achievement gaps. Prior studies have found substantial sorting of teachers across schools, with the schools with the highest proportions of poor, non-white, and low-scoring students…

In recent years, researchers have argued that the shortage of highly qualified teachers in poor school districts may have less to do with attracting new teachers than with retaining them. To provide the scientific evidence that will support sound decisions about teacher induction, Mathematica is examining whether high-intensity teacher induction…

Analyzes the literature on mentored learning to teach in ways consistent with the standards reform movement. Mentoring practices are consistent with program assumptions rather than with the assumptions underlying standards-based teaching. Mentoring can promote retention but may not be sufficient support for novice teachers learning to teach. (SLD)

The authors review research literature on coherent theoretically based approaches to the use of reflective processes within programmes of initial professional education for new academic staff. Employing a novel methodology that incorporates practitioner perspectives, they establish a framework that highlights the role of personal and social…

This paper reports the results of a literature review on the subject of beginning teacher induction, presenting a conceptually oriented discussion of the induction literature. It examines the multiple meanings associated with induction as a phase in learning to teach, a process of teacher socialization, and a program for beginning teachers. The…

Although there is a significant body of work related to overall teacher attrition and mobility, little research has been conducted that is specifically related to English teachers. Given the predominance of high-stakes reading and writing assessments for middle and high school students, studying those who teach literacy is critical for a better…

Reviews the literature related to the specific needs of beginning science teachers. Features programs and practices designed to support beginning teachers. Contains 32 references. (WRM)

The author reviews some of the most significant studies of mentoring and identifies the salient characteristics of successful mentor-protege relationships. Recommendations based on the literature are made. (MT)

This report describes a study on Arizona's beginning teacher induction, examining how induction program elements vary statewide. It also examines three induction models: the California Model, the Connecticut Model, and a model for science teachers in Arizona. In 2000, researchers surveyed 197 traditional public school districts regarding their…

The research literature shows mentoring programs for beginning teachers to be highly complex and situational. Despite potential advantages for both mentor and novice teacher, the effective widespread use of mentoring in beginning teacher induction is limited by problematic issues related to the lack of definition of mentoring, mentor training, and…

This article explores factors related to the difficulties that teachers experience in their first year of teaching, needs and concerns of beginning general education and special education teachers, and induction and mentoring of beginning teachers. Recommendations for ways various individuals can support beginning special education teachers are…