Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
Hawaii does not require a mentoring program or any other induction support for its new teachers.
State legislation requires all complexes to have a new teacher orientation and an induction program based on the Hawaii Statewide Induction Program Foundation Elements and the Hawaii Teacher Induction Standards. However, participation in this program is voluntary and is limited to non-highly qualified teachers. Unfortunately, this program, which was authorized by legislation in 2005, has yet to receive funding.
Ensure that a high-quality mentoring experience is available to all new teachers, especially those in low-performing schools.
Hawaii should ensure that all new teachers—and especially any teacher in a low-performing school—receive mentoring support, especially in the first critical weeks of school.
Set specific parameters.
To ensure that all teachers receive high-quality mentoring, the state should specify how long the program lasts for a new teacher, who selects the mentors and a method of performance evaluation.
Require induction strategies that can be successfully implemented, even in poorly managed schools.
To ensure that the experience is meaningful, Hawaii should guarantee that induction includes strategies such as intensive mentoring, seminars appropriate to grade level or subject area and a reduced teaching load and/or frequent release time to observe other teachers.
Hawaii noted that in September 2011 the state published its Teacher Induction Program Standards to set the gold standard for all complex areas to meet. Funding is provided through federal Title II funds.