Supporting beginning general education teachers in meeting the needs of a diverse classroom : a study of induction practices

Author / Creator

Sadler, Christopher James, author

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Online

Physical

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine how beginning teachers are supported while teaching in a diverse school setting with students finding academic success. The literature identifies the conne...

The purpose of this study is to determine how beginning teachers are supported while teaching in a diverse school setting with students finding academic success. The literature identifies the connection between attrition rates, feelings of support, instructional practices, and some focus on the connection of student outcomes and practices associated with beginning teacher support. There is a gap in the literature relating to induction practices supporting beginning career teachers in diverse school settings. Knowing this gap exists, this study aims to address the following research question: In schools that are successful with diverse learners, what structures, programs, and practices provide support to beginning career teachers that prepares them to educate diverse learners? To address this research question, a comparative mixed-methods case study of two schools within the same school district will be framed by concepts of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. The study is significant in that it will present important strategies and insights into practices diverse schools and school districts use to support beginning career teachers aimed at increasing student achievement for all students. The study introduces the concept of the Reciprocal Growth Mode of Teacher Development as a model of collaborative learning as a support for beginning career teachers. Along with their mentor, principal, and colleagues the beginning career teacher participates in a model of support and learning where not only they learning from others, but the beginning career teacher is recognized for the strengths a beginning career teacher may bring to a school.

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