AdvisoryAdvisory Massachusetts School Counselors Association Spring Conference April 11, 2011

Who We Are Bob Bardwell Director of Guidance & Student Support Services Monson High School Ruth Robert School Counselor Ware High School Elizabeth Reed School Counselor Monson High School

Advantages of Advisory Provides another adult in addition to the school counselor in the school to get to know each student Makes a large school feel smaller Can help to deliver the guidance curriculum and other skills not taught elsewhere in the curriculum

Advantages of Advisory (continued) Increases morale Improves school climate Provides opportunity for class spirit and friendly competition

Advisory Models Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Homeroom or alphabetical Interest Group (NHS, knitting, outdoor group) Class (technology, Shakespeare)

Challenges or Roadblocks Staff buy in Contract issues (Another teacher prep) Not all advisors will deliver equally (some students miss out) Scheduling Activities may not be appropriate for large groups (ie: Scavenger Hunt)

Challenges or Roadblocks (continued) Funding activities Keeping all grade levels engaged (ie: Seniors) Balancing fun activities with curricular needs Keeping groups small (enough staff)

The Ware Story

The Monson Story Started in 2003 –Freshmen only - 15 groups (3 per homeroom) –Met every other week (or so) –Volunteer teachers –No formal training –No set schedule –Run by principal –Added grade 10 –Created SAP bell schedule –Created Advisory Committee

The Monson Story (continued) –Added grade 11 –Provided staff meeting time for training –Added grade 12 –Staff requested it meets every week –Created Advisory Committee that is charged with developing curriculum –Got some funding from administration for activities

Resources