Preparing the Novice Teacher for the First ARD Meeting: The Role of the Module, Mentor and Multimedia

Abstract

The focus of this study was on the factors that play a role in preparing novice teachers for their first Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee meeting.

A mixed methods approach was used to answer the research question: Which resource plays a stronger role in the preparation of novice teachers for their first ARD meeting, previous college preparation courses, involvement in a mentoring program, or a Mock ARD Training Video specific to the district’s current expectations of an ARD meeting?

This study incorporated pre- and post-surveys and interviews with novice teachers in various departments and grade levels after participating in their first ARD committee meeting. Due to the small sample size available of novice special education teachers in the district in one school year (three in 2012-2013), this study involved both general education and special education novice teachers during the 2012-2013 school year.

Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were made to the district to address the identified areas of continued need as they apply to the ARD meeting process.