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Orientation is one of the three core components of the Bridges to Success model. Other components include Mentoring and Ongoing Professional Development. Orientation activities provide the ECSPED with the orientation needed to feel comfortable with their new profession and the knowledge they require to function effectively.

What is
Orientation?

The Orientation component is designed to provide early educators with the orientation and enculturation they need to feel comfortable in their new position and have the knowledge they need to function effectively. Orientation includes five key components:

1. General Building and Special Education Orientation
2. Written Reference Materials on Policies and Procedures
3. Resource Inventory
4. Building Guide
5. Ongoing Administrative Support
   • Building Level Administrator Support
   • Special Education Administrator Support

Why Are Orientation Activities Important?

Providing ongoing support for early career educators during the three-year induction period is of critical importance toward the retention of special educators (1). The level of administrative and peer support is a significant factor in retaining early career special educators (2). Research shows that beginning educators need the following:

• system information related to special education,
• emotional support,
• system information related to the school,
• materials,
• curriculum, and
• instruction (3).

Beginning educators benefit from a general orientation for all educators at the start of the new year but they should also receive a special orientation that is specific to them. The literature indicates that early career special educators need an orientation to the community, the school district, the curriculum, the school, and their specific roles and responsibilities. Other studies reinforce the importance of including the beginning special educator in orientation activities and making him/her feel part of the school.