tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-807613238159540477.post3230939086748251613..comments2023-03-24T07:16:55.964-07:00Comments on Finding Excellent Teachers: Mentoring - still searchingDave Sabahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05897159725176362771noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-807613238159540477.post-69895329013425962212009-01-27T13:01:00.000-08:002009-01-27T13:01:00.000-08:00Dave--Your take on the Mathematica study is not en...Dave--Your take on the Mathematica study is not entirely accurate. The study did NOT measure the implementation of either the New Teacher Center or the ETS PATHWISE induction models as you suggest. To say that neither model works would be incorrect. It measured the implementation of a designed induction treatment (comprised of some elements of both approaches, but not all) which was implemented by both organizations and compared it to existing programs (some of which appeared to be surprisingly robust) in those schools and districts. The study design firewalled those mentors and new teachers from non-treatment peers--preventing these programs from informing or impacting the broader culture of teaching and learning in these settings. Also, it did not allow for significant connections to district administration--relationships we have found to be critical in the implementation of real world mentoring programs. <BR/><BR/>The results also reflect the first and only year of implementation of the induction treatment (except in a subset of districts in which a second year was added late). Existing policy research suggests an implementation curve for new programs especially in year one. The comparison of a one-year program in which all participants were brand new and receiving on-going training during that year to existing programs in which participants had a familiarity and comfort level raises some concerns as well.<BR/><BR/>In short, these first-year evaluation results are instructive, but it would be a mistake to suggest that they are definitive and that they would apply in all school contexts.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07458601945962879939noreply@blogger.com