Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation, Bloomington,

This booklet discusses mentoring in general, describes a particular mentoring program, and describes mentoring efforts around the country. The first section about mentoring in general focuses on mentoring as an old idea and current trends in mentoring. The next section describes the Norwalk Mentor Program in Connecticut which began in 1986 as an outgrowth of a well-established adopt-a-school program. The six-step process used to begin and maintain this program to evaluate the success of the relationship between mentors and students is presented. These steps involve: (1) recruitment and screening; (2) orientation and training; (3) matching mentors and students and responsibilities; (4) weekly sessions; (5) evaluation; and (6) year-end celebrations and renewal. The buddy system, transfers and moves, summer activities, family involvement, and new directions for Norwalk's mentor program are also described. The third section presents an overview of mentoring efforts around the country. Also included are: a resource list; sample recruitment letter; sample mentor profile; mentor pledge; sample mentor agreement; sample teacher request for a mentor; sample parent permission letter; sample mentor evaluation form; and references. (ABL) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. FASTBAC