This beginning teacher program is a combination of a support and training program for first-year teachers in 12 school districts in Kansas. Participation is required and the program features regular meetings with the building principal, a year-long, performance-based skill training program, and a set of performance tasks which ask the beginning teacher to demonstrate classroom mastery of basic teaching skills. The content of the program was chosen primarily from research on effective teaching. The sessions focus on: (1) beginning the school year effectively; (2) teacher behavior and classroom control; (3) behavior management techniques; (4) conferencing with parents; (5) lesson planning for successful teaching; (6) a modified Hunter Model of teaching; (7) co-op services and procedures; (8) classroom communication; (9) questioning patterns and sequences; (10) teaching styles/learning styles; (11) teaching study skills while teaching content; (12) evaluating student progress; and (13) the teacher and school law. Descriptions are given of the use of resource people, the principal's responsibilities, incentives, and program materials. Expected outcomes of the program and suggestions on program implementation are discussed. A copy of a participant guide, a principal's evaluation guide, and an interim progress report are appended. (JD)