Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
California requires a mentoring program for its new teachers. The California Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Induction Program is a state-funded program, co-sponsored by the California Department of Education and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, designed to support the professional development of newly credentialed beginning teachers and to fulfill the requirements for the California Clear Multiple and Single Subject Credentials. BTSA programs are locally designed and implemented in accordance with the Standards for Quality and Effectiveness for Professional Teacher Induction Programs, which outline some important program requirements.
Expand guidelines to include other key areas.
While still leaving districts flexibility, California should articulate minimum guidelines for a high-quality induction experience. For example, the state should ensure that mentors are trained in a content area or grade level similar to that of the new teacher and mandate a method of performance evaluation. The state should also offer specifics on release time or reducing teaching responsibilities.
California recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.