Induction and Rhode Island Mentor Programs

Induction programs are the vehicles that facilitate systemic sustained enhancement to school culture and the teaching profession. The Rhode Island Department of Education believes that induction programs are “a smart investment in the ongoing training, support, and retention of beginning teachers, who, as a result of the programs become more qualified, capable, and effective teachers. Successful induction programs go a long way toward improving the quality of teaching and ensuring student achievement.” (Breaux and Wong, 2003) These programs are multi-year programs that transition and guide beginning educators from daily survival to reflection of practice and student work, to analytical and flexible thinking. These critical programs combine mentoring, professional development and support, and evaluation for at least the first two years of a beginning educator’s professional career. They improve teacher effectiveness, teaching techniques, promote a district’s culture and maximize the retention of highly qualified teachers. Research shows that retention rates are increased substantially due to the collaborative culture that is established when educators work together with a shared vision for success and for increased student achievement for all students. The Rhode Island State Legislature passed legislation, to support teachers entering their professional career, requiring that district strategic plans “include a process for mentoring new teachers” (Law 16-7.1-2 Accountability for Student Performance). Law 16-7.1-10, Professional development investment fund, was passed and allows, the appropriation of funds “in order to continue developing the skills of Rhode Island’s teachers and staff”. A portion of these appropriated funds include the support of mentoring systems. In 2002, the Board of Regents approved Mentor Program Standards to assist districts in designing, implementing and evaluating their programs. The Rhode Island Department of Education continues to provide multi-level training for mentor coordinators each year to build capacity for mentor training in each district.

Mentoring and Individual Professional Development Plans

Induction brings beginning teachers, experienced teachers, and school leaders together in collaborative settings to create a professional culture of ongoing learning, which can lead to positive change in the school climate. Rhode Island Mentor Programs based on research encourage implementation of RI Teaching Standards into practice, provide for job-embedded professional development, promote reflective practice and continuous learning, and initiate reciprocal and collaborative learning. These qualities are shared with the goals of the I-Plan system for recertification, which is based on a premise of the importance of high quality professional development. Mentoring, as a component of induction, is one example of professional development that can advance school improvement initiatives and teaching practice while being used toward an aligned I-Plan goal. Currently, all Rhode Island teachers, new and veteran, holding 5-year professional certificates are rolling onto the I-Plan system for the first time. In the future, Rhode Island’s first year teachers will be looking to their mentors who have experience with I-Plans for help in writing an I-Plan. Eventually, we envision Mentor Programs that contain I-Plan training and support as an integral component of the Induction process.

Mentoring and induction information
	Rhode Island Mentor Program Standards
	RI Mentor Program Site Visit Protocol
	Mentor Coordinator Directory