This latest addition to ASCD's How-To series is designed to help school-based and district personnel assist beginning teachers. Nearly half of the nation's beginning teachers drop out of teaching within the first seven years. Gordon explores several of the struggles faced by beginning teachers and provides research-based plans for helping these newcomers make the most of their initial teaching years. Gordon proposes a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP), which pairs beginners with mentors and a support team that can include school and district personnel as well as community representatives and members of higher education. These BTAPs, which needn't be expensive, have a proven track record for improving beginning teachers' skills, attitudes, and chances of fulfilling their potential as educators.

Note: This product listing is for the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version of the book.