SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 89
(By Senators Unger, Barnes, Plymale, Edgell, Bowman, Hunter, Oliverio, Guills and Sprouse)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the feasibility of establishing a pilot teacher induction program in Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan and Hampshire counties.

Whereas, Retaining teachers is a challenge, especially in the eastern panhandle counties of Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan and Hampshire; and

Whereas, One third of novice teachers leave the profession during the first three years of employment; and

Whereas, Teachers who become a part of a professional learning community are less likely to leave their positions and the profession; and

Whereas, The goals of the pilot teacher induction program should include increasing the retention of beginning teachers, increasing the instructional effectiveness of beginning teachers and increasing the effectiveness of the beginning teacher mentoring component; and

Whereas, The components of the pilot teacher induction program should include local education agency activities, RESA III activities, peer mentors and senior mentors, professional development for senior and peer mentors, on-line resources and networking for beginning teachers and mentors and professional learning time for beginning teachers; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the feasibility of establishing a pilot teacher induction program in Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan and Hampshire counties; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.