Site Outline

Site content and development

This innovative ASSIST site provides resources, strategies and tools for translating teacher induction and mentoring program standards into practical implementation approaches. The site was developed through U.S. Department of Education grant funds through the Michigan Department of Education to the College of Education faculty at Michigan State University. MSU faculty have worked in partnership with faculty at the University of Michigan as well as master teachers in several Michigan school districts. The ASSIST research-based frameworks and professional tools for on-the-job learning represent best practice in instructional leadership and effective classroom teaching.

Organization of ASSIST web site

To promote working together in professional learning communities, more than 1,000 pages of tools and resources are available on the ASSIST site. These resources are organized in three main sections as indicated in the navigation bar. The side bar provides a list of components for that section (for sections 1 and 2). The site outline is provided below.

Navigation bar: Organizing induction, Improving practice, Continuing to learn

Side bar: About ASSIST, Why induction programs?, Site outline [this document], Tools and resources, Michigan Department of Education policy

Center box: Suppose there could be a better way to begin teaching….
            For beginning teachers
            For mentor teachers
            For principals (and other induction leaders)

Organizing induction

Here are tools and guidance for organizing induction for beginning teachers and for working together to achieve high quality teaching for the benefit of all students.

1. Working together
   1. What is induction?
   2. Planning for a strong induction program
   3. Professional learning communities
      --Organizing time and resources
      --Beginning teacher study groups
      --Mentor teacher groups
      --Learning together
      
      
2. For principals (and other induction program leaders)
   1. Cultivating a school culture that supports induction
   2. Working with beginning teachers
   3. Professional Learning Communities
   4. Knowing myself as a leader
   5. Resources for further investigation
      
      
3. For mentor teachers. Questions. Tools and resources.

4. For beginning teachers. Questions. Tools and resources.

5. For veteran teachers in new assignments.
   1. Veteran teachers new to Michigan
   2. Veteran teachers moving to a new district or state
   3. Veteran teachers new to an urban setting
   4. Veteran teachers transferring to a new grade level or subject area
   5. Veteran teachers assuming leadership roles

6. List of tools. For principals, mentor teachers, beginning teachers, central office administration: tools for working together.

7. List of resources: Articles, books, and websites.

Improving practice: Tools for examining seven areas of teaching that are particularly challenging for beginning teachers and guidance for teachers to work together in using the tools profitably.

1. Manages a class: Stories and questions.Tools.
2. Engages communities: Stories and questions. Strategies. Tools and resources.
3. Plans instruction: Stories. Strategies. Tools and resources.
4. Leads discussions: Stories and questions. Tools.
5. Assesses learning: Stories and questions. Strategies. Tools and resources.
6. Teaches content: English language arts. Math. Science. Social studies. By building level in each area: elementary, middle school, high school.
7. Responds to students. Question-by-question guide for reaching all students.
8. About partnership. Stories. Strategies.
9. List of tools. For principals, mentor teachers, beginning teachers, central office administration: tools for working together.
10. List of resources:Articles, books, and websites.

Continuing to learn: Modules focused on key challenges for beginning teachers, for independent or small group learning.

1. Building student comprehension
2. Developing curriculum
3. Developing home, school and community partnerships
4. Developing literacy in early childhood
5. Differentiating instruction through technology
6. Inclusive instruction