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:: Induction Program Handbook

Program Description

The Contra Costa County Office of Education/Saint Mary's College BTSA Inductions Program (CCCOE/SMC BTSA Induction Program) consists of thirteen school districts: Acalanes, Canyon, John Swett, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County, Albany, Emery and Piedmont in Alameda County, along with the Contra Costa County Office of Special Education Special Services. In 2006-2007, there were 200 participating teachers (PTs) and 108 mentors. The program also collaborates with several private schools in the county providing a pathway for their PTs to clear their credentials. Mentors are full time classroom teachers, partial or full release teachers, or retired teachers.

The CCCOE/SMC BTSA Induction Program is a collaborative model, consisting of a leadership team comprised of a district coordinator and liaison from each of the participating districts. The district members include curriculum directors, assistant superintendents, human resource personnel, bargaining unit leadership, along with a Saint Mary's College (SMC) coordinator and two liaisons. The leadership team meets regularly to examine program goals, needs and evaluation data in relation to program improvement.

SMC has been an integral partner on the BTSA consortium since its beginning in 1993. The college supports professional development for new teachers and works with consortium members on an ongoing basis to provide an effective program for new teachers to transition from pre service to credentialed teaching. The SMC Saturday Seminar Series, established in 1996, is now aligned with Induction Standards 15-20 and provides an opportunity for both participating teachers and mentors to complete credentialed requirements or compete a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

The induction program also partners with UC Santa Cruz/New Teacher Center (UCSC/NTC) planning and professional development for mentors and participating teachers. Mentors receive training in the UCSC/NCT Formative Assessment System, which provides both mentors and participating teachers opportunities collaboration, lesson planning, classroom observations, analyzing student work, and reflection. Their work together focuses on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession, State academic content standards and Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Professional Teacher Induction Programs with he goal to improve teacher quality and student achievement.

Participating teachers in the consortium experience enhanced professional growth and development through a rich and thoughtful induction process based on local context, individual needs and program requirements. The CCCOE/BTSA Induction Program consistently retains 85% of its new teachers and provides an effective transition into teaching for each of the participating teachers.

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Program Objectives

The Contra Costa County Office of Education/Saint Mary's College BTSA Induction Program provides the necessary opportunities for each participating teacher to complete all professional credential requirements. Induction includes a clearly specified process to insure that participating teachers complete all requirements for the Professional Clear Teaching Credential.

During the two-year induction process for the participating teacher, the CCCOE/SMC BTSA Induction Program will provide support and guidance as new teachers begin their professional practice. This will be achieved through:

• Participating in the formative assessment process, meeting weekly with a professionally trained mentor, examining classroom practice and analyzing student work
• Developing an annual Individual Learning Plan (ILP), documenting planned professional growth activities based on formative assessment information and individual needs
• Applying the CSTP and state-adopted frameworks and adopted curriculum materials in one content area in the context of his/her instructional practice, beyond capabilities demonstrated for the preliminary credential
• Participating in professional development activities in the following areas:
  1. K-12 Core Academic Content and Subject Specific Pedagogy
  2. Using technology to support student learning
  3. Equity, diversity, and access to the core curriculum
  4. Creating a supportive and healthy environment for student learning
  5. Teaching English Learners
  6. Teaching special populations
• Documenting teaching performance assessment outcomes from the professional teacher education program (when available).

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Mission Statement

Building upon their Teacher Preparation Program, participating teachers will experience enhanced professional growth and development by participating in a rich and thoughtful induction process. The Professional Clear Teaching Credential participants will engage in reflective conversations with experienced colleagues about the delivery of effective practice. They will chart progress through the continuum of skills, knowledge, and abilities aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession, state-adopted academic content standards and performance levels for students.

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Induction Program Handbook

Download the entire Contra Costa County/Saint Mary's College BTSA Induction Program Handbook.

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