What is it and Why are we doing it? Teachers As Advisors What is it and Why are we doing it?

I thought we were already doing this… Many people thought that we were already doing a true Teachers as Advisors program, however this was not the case.

What is Teachers as Advisors A systemic, systematic method of delivery wherein an entire student population (grades 6-12) is assigned, in small groups, to a trained, caring adult advisor who both advocates for his or her advisees and facilitates sessions focused on: 1) Career Management: Awareness, Exploration, and Planning, 2) Academic Achievement, Educational Attainment and Lifelong Learning: Thinking and Learning Skills 3) Life Skills: Personal and Social Development Source: GADOE, Teachers-As-Advisors: Orientation and Awareness, February 2008

Why are we doing this? Dropping out of high school is not a sudden act, but a gradual process of disengagement. Participants in (dropout survey) focus groups recounted that some of their best days were when their teachers noticed them, got them involved in class, and told them they were doing well. (The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts, Gates Foundation, 2006) Studies show that the expectations that teachers have for their students has an effect both on student performance and whether they drop out of school. (The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts, Gates Foundation, 2006) (Blink) “Every child needs and deserves a marketable skill to use upon graduation.” A high school education alone will not give graduates the skills needed to be marketable. “Students who link expectation that college degree is essential to their desired career are six times more likely to matriculate.” (Reclaiming the American Dream, 2006)

What do our students say? What level of support do you receive from your parents, legal guardians, or family as it relates to your life and academic success? How would you rate your interest in school?

What do our students say? Who in your life is an encouraging and supportive person?

What do our students say? What is the highest education level you plan to achieve? Do you have career plans after graduating from high school?

What do our students say? How would you rate Crawford County High School spirit / morale?

Expectations are the same for both college & “good jobs” The knowledge and skills that high school graduates will need to be successful in college are the same as those they will need to be successful in a job that: pays enough to support a family well above the poverty level, provides benefits, and offers clear pathways for career advancement through further education and training Source: American Diploma Project, February 2008

So what exactly do we have to do? Weekly lessons over a provided topic Balance sheets Advise students on graduating on time and options. Be a liaison between school and parents Form supportive relationships with your advisees Keep a student record and copies of student work

More Lesson Plans?

Lesson Plans Lesson plans have been created for you along with all materials needed. You will follow a provided curriculum map. You will need to make your own copies of student material from the resources provided.

Advisee Folders Purple Folder Gold Folder Student Information Sheet Parent Contact Log Balance Sheet Four Year Plan of Study Transcript Report Cards and Progress Reports Gold Folder Student Advisement Work

Thank you! The preparatory work has been done by the Teachers as Advisors Team (Amanda Puckett, Lynda Yaughn, Laura Meldrum, and David Shepard). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of us. We, as a team, believe that TAA will: Increase the attendance rate Reduce the drop out rate Increase the graduation rate Increase school morale and spirit Build a better community

The End You have been provided a powerful tool that you are expected to use. It is up to YOU to help Crawford County High School reach our goals. Feedback is welcome and a form is included; this is a TEAM effort and you are part of the TEAM.