Connecting the continuum: a university-based induction program to improve teacher quality

Abstract

The Summer Curriculum Writing Institute (SCWI) supports graduates of a university-based teacher education program during the induction years and beyond with the aim of impacting teacher quality. The purpose of this article is to describe the development, goals, research, and lessons learned during SCWI from 2005–12. The week focuses around the central task of curriculum development, building on foundations learned during preservice education, and includes opportunities for ongoing learning and reconnecting with cohort members. Studies of the program highlight five key aspects of the week – curriculum writing, time, maintaining and expanding professional networks, teacher efficacy, and teacher retention. Participants have shown increases in curriculum quality as well as classroom teaching retention rates. As numbers of participants continue to grow, SCWI appears a sustainable model for universities to continue supporting graduates during the induction years and beyond.

Keywords:

• induction
• curriculum
• teacher quality
• retention
• teacher development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Van Zandt Allen

Laura Van Zandt Allen, Ph.D., (Associate Professor) is the Coordinator of the Summer Curriculum Writing Institute, Department of Education, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.