Advisor/Advisee Class Family Class M.A.E.O. 2016 Spring Conference Jan Keith Farmer, Schoolcraft College jfarmer@schoolcraft.edu

We can whenever, and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children whose schooling is of interest to us. We already know more than we need, in order to do this. Whether we do it must finally depend on how we feel about the fact that we haven’t so far.” Ron Edmonds, 1978

Dennis Littky, The Big Picture “But I am still committed to the idea that an advisory system is the best structure to improve a school’s atmosphere and culture…” Dennis Littky, The Big Picture

Advisory: Definition “An advisory is an organized group of one adult and a dozen or so kids that assures a significant adult for all students. Daily 30 minutes or more Usually the first class Chris Stevenson, 2009

Advisory Leader Leader’s opinion is never most important Moralizing is not discussing Be accepting and flexible, keep from becoming personal Never dominate, become defensive or pass judgement Have a sense of humor, never sarcastic Always save time to wrap-up

Advisory: Why Our school has a consciously competent process to provide a significant adult for all students.

Advisory: Why Power, freedom, fun, and belonging (Glasser) Improves Skills: Social Emotional Interpersonal Intrapersoaon address ELA common core standards (speaking, listening)

Advisory: Why traditional high schools are implementing Safe school Improved grades, standardized test scores, (double percentage on post secondary assessments like PLAN and PSAT Improved attendance Fewer behavioral referrals Student initiated learning Timothy W. Gilson, Making Connections for High School Students, ASCD Express L

Advisory: Why traditional high schools are implementing Student decision making Strong adult role models Course selection Improve study habits Promote test taking skills Timothy W. Gilson, Making Connections for High School Students, ASCD Express Links

Why most advisories fail Too large (>20) Too brief ( 20 min or less) Did not plan for Staff Development Mandated implementation

Two activities

3-2-1 3 things you learned 2 things you are going to do 1 question you still have