Designing a Sustainable Advisory Program Facilitated by Linda Ruest NYSMSA President Educational Consultant

Guiding Question “What would it take to create, develop, implement, and sustain a viable advisory program?”

Today’s Goal: Thinking about Advisory Believing In and Committing to Its Importance

Parts of the Advisory Puzzle Who? ________ What? ________ When?________ Where? _______ Why? ________ How? ________ Who? What? When? How? Why? Where? ??????

5 Key Dimensions of Successful Advisory Programs Purpose Organization Content Assessment Leadership

Key Dimension #1 Purpose Successful advisories have a clearly defined and understood mission or purpose that is supported by all members of the community.

Advisory is an opportunity to… To advise students about academic decisions and monitor academic achievement To provide developmental guidance (both formal and informal) To foster communication between the home and school and among members of the school community To encourage supportive peer relationships and practice conflict resolution To promote an awareness of diversity and tolerance

Advisory is an opportunity to… To undertake community service both within and outside the school To facilitate community governance and conversations To prepare students for life transitions including career development and post-secondary opportunities To promote character development and explore moral dilemmas To explore the process of group development and have fun

Advisory isn’t… Schmooze sessions Time wasters Study halls Teachers being guidance counselors

Key Dimension #2 Thoughtful Organization How an advisory program is structured has a significant impact on how personalized the advisory experience will be.

Organizational Considerations Advisory personnel and size of groups, Frequency, time and length of groups, Professional development and support, and Staff and student ownership.

Key Dimension #3 Relevant Program Content The content of an advisory program will vary based on the purposes to be achieved, on the nature of the school, and on individual advisors. It may be organized around essential questions, themes, or skills. Advisors may follow a common curriculum, pick and choose from an advisory handbook, or organize their own activities to personalize the advisory experience.

Types of Advisory Activities Advocacy Development of a Spirit of Community Academic Support Developmental Guidance Invigoration Administrative

Key Dimension #4 Ongoing Assessment Successful advisory programs are assessed at several levels to determine if the purposes of the program are being met, to determine if participants are meeting expectations, and to measure other advisory program-specific outcomes.

Levels of Assessment Individual students/advisees; Individual advisors; Advisory groups as a whole; The overall advisory program; and The school and program leadership.

Key Dimension #5 Strong Leadership Successful advisory programs have strong leadership where an individual or team within the school community is charged with designing, implementing, overseeing, supporting, and assessing the program. Essential among the duties of the leadership are creating buy-in among community members and ensuring that advisors have adequate training, resources, and support.

Advisory Leadership Administration Teacher Leaders Other Staff Leaders Student Leaders Parent Leaders Community Leaders