WELCOME TO STAR!
(Strategic Training for Acdademic Results)

The STAR Induction program is the transmission of the Columbus School District and community culture.  The major goals of this program are to build a sense of culture and to articulate the district’s mission and philosophy.  Induction is a structured training program for all teachers new to the district that instructs and models “the way it is done” in the Columbus Municipal School District.  This program is not merely an orientation to the district’s organizational pattern, but a framework of the district’s vision for student learning and success.

Our program emphasizes five critical attributes that are the cornerstone of the vision.

• effective instructional practices
• effective classroom management procedures and routines
• a sensitivity and understanding of the unique community we serve
• teaching is a reflection of lifelong learning and professional growth
• unity of teamwork among administration, teachers, support staff and community members is essential
  

It is our intent to make your first year “very successful.”  We will have four full day meetings throughout the year that will focus on a wide range of topics.  There will be a coaching and mentoring program, too.  These components incorporate pre-conferences, classroom observations, and post-conferences.  These observations are NOT used for summative evaluations; the intent is to give a teacher specific, immediate, and non-threatening feedback on their teaching performance.  Research has shown the need for follow-up coaching as an essential aspect of our teacher training.  Therefore, we know that this will be effective during your first year of teaching at CMSD.

If you have any questions about the STAR program, please contact Melinda Lowe, Professional Development Coordinator.

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A FALCON!