Although far more African-Americans are physicians than NBA players, pervasive mass-media images say otherwise. Playing sports is fun; education offers the truest hope for future success. Certain elements that enhance sports programs (strong motivation, shared commitment, intensive instruction) might be applied to academic learning. (MLH)

Praises the rare teacher who respected his native culture when growing up. Deplores negative attitudes of some future second-language teachers toward Mexican-American culture. Colleges of education can nurture diversity by creating a multicultural environment. Courses should be rigorous and require students to incorporate multicultural concepts…

As the student body grows more heterogeneous, white women continue to dominate the teaching profession. Disparity between teacher/student demographic profiles is of growing concern. Although not all studies find clear connections among teacher and student racial/ethnic backgrounds and student achievement, minority role models are needed. (MLH)

A relationship exists between children's interest and investment in their school work and teachers' repertoire of techniques for engaging them. New teachers need to develop varied teaching strategies and be provided with an interconnected support system, innovative preparation programs, mentoring opportunities, ongoing professional development,…

John Goodlad believes the imminent teacher shortage could provide an opportunity for centers of pedagogy to prepare reading and math head teachers to work with teams of primary teachers. By democratizing school conditions, students could be educated for "civitas," or human goodness. Technology is no substitute for human infrastructure. (MLH)

There are six basic qualities of good mentoring: commitment to the mentoring role, acceptance of beginning teachers, proficiency at providing instructional support, interpersonal effectiveness, skill at modeling continuous learning, and ability to communicate hope and optimism. A sidebar explains the Mentoring Leadership and Resource network. (10…

A study examined ACT and SAT scores of candidates taking a test from the Educational Testing Service's Praxis II series for teachers in 1995-1997. People who pass teacher-licensure tests have academic skills comparable to those of the overall population of SAT takers. Whites have higher pass rates than do minorities. (MLH)

Veteran teachers do not have to be official mentors to help their new colleagues. Experienced educators can be lifesavers for isolated novices by reaching out informally. The most practical opportunities occur through chance meetings in hallways and scheduled discussions during common preparation times. (MLH)

As student populations become more diverse, the teacher population is becoming less so. Minorities are not pursuing teaching careers due to inadequate academic preparation and high college costs. Needed are career incentives, improved recruitment strategies, restructured preparation programs, identification and mentoring programs, and enhanced…

Ordinary, daily teaching experiences form the essence of teachers' practice. Using a guide to reflect on those experiences, either individually or with colleagues, is a step toward self-improvement. The Guided Reflection Protocol helps teachers examine what happened, why it happened, possible meanings, and implications for practice. (MLH)

Two education professors developed New Teacher Groups to offer a safe place where beginning teachers can voice their concerns, share their joys and frustrations, and help one another deal with problems. Interviews with participants revealed that nearly two-thirds attended for personal and professional support they could get nowhere else. (MLH)

Describes the California Formative Assessment & Support System for Teachers, the largest state-supported instructional improvement effort. At the core of the program are mentoring relationships, new teaching standards, and formative assessment tools. Policy makers are setting new standards of teaching quality at the beginning of a teaching career.…

California is field-testing a model to help new teachers become competent professionals via planning, teaching, reflecting, and applying. Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment/California Formative Assessment & Support System for Teachers acknowledges that teachers learn good practices gradually through consulting with colleagues and utilizing…

By statutory mandate, all first-year teachers in Kentucky receive support and assistance that develop a strong, lifelong career foundation. Legislation in 1985 established a collegial team to induct new professionals and establish a culture of continuing growth for the profession. Internships with meaningful mentoring are keys to success. (MLH)

A second-career, first-grade teacher tells how he flourished, thanks to the academic, social, and professional support offered by a partnership between DePaul University and a Glenview, Illinois district. Program hallmarks included full immersion in the classroom, mentored support, theory-practice integration, and ongoing evaluation. (MLH)