Teachers As Advisors WorkshopNew Jersey

Jan Struebingjstruebi@sbcglobal.net

Workshop Objectives Giving the middle school students

support toward success Helping 9--12 graders plan for high

school success Involve parents and students in the

planning process Keep Score—Evaluate the effectiveness

of the program. Think of topics for advisory period—age

appropriate

Goals of a Quality Advisory Program Create a caring school climate Monitor the academic progress of students Promote critical thinking skills through

discussion and problem-solving activities Assist students in making responsible

choices Assist students in accepting responsibility

for their own actions. Teachers are well trained in the provided

curriculum.

How to Achieve Success? Buy-In from:

Board Members Administrators Counselors Career

Counselors Teachers Parents/

Guardians Students

Who will Coordinate Program?

Principal Counselor Career Counselor Teacher Committee of

Teachers

Student Issues Attendance Discipline Academic Success Extra Help Homework

Completion Career Research Growing Up

Conflict Resolution

Test Results Course Selection Study Skills A Plan of Study Professional Help

Teachers As Advisors A program where teachers work

with a group of students and their parents/guardians to explore educational and career possibilities based on valid information.

Raising academic rigor is also an important part in helping a student reach their future goals.

Personalizing the High School Experience for Each Student byJoseph DiMartino and John Clarke

Great on advisories and making changes that help students understand the relevance of what they are being taught, and how they are being prepared for success as adults. Book offers a new vision for high schools—a vision that puts students at the center of their own learning.

Compare PLP & IEP Difference PLP IEP Control lies with student Adults control Student’s interest, talents Test Scores,

diagnostics Dreams Identify remedial Clarify sense of direction services needed to Identify learning required appropriate expt. to meet hopes Reduce weakness Extend positive momentum of each individual

PLP & IEP Both can be used together or

separate. Both are helpful Both assume that students learn

most effectively when the experience responds to their unique skills and understanding

PLP’s Used in Advisory PLP’s can help students meet

standards, and help provide evidence they have met the 21st century standards such as: communication, problem solving, and social responsibility.

Why is Advisory Important to Students? More one-on-one attention Develop a Plan Students will enroll in higher level

academics Middle Schools students develop

physically and mentally Learn a connection between their career

and courses they need to take More timely help available to students in

need.

Important to Parent/Guardian Parents become more involved

during annual meeting Parents know there is someone at

the school with a strong interest in their son or daughter

Parents have a better understanding of the courses their son or daughter will need in high school.

Value to Teachers Teachers gain a greater knowledge

of graduation requirements and of all school’s offering

Develop strong bonds with their advisees

Learn to work as a team Teachers see students from a

different perspective

Guidance – What is it?GUIDANCE

The help all students receive from parents, teachers, counselors, community members and others to assist with educational and career development

COUNSELINGThe help some students receive from credentialed professionals to overcome personal and social problems that interfere with learning.

Advisory Committee

Number and Make-up of Committee Administrators Teachers Parents Students Certified Staff Union Representative

Role of the Administrator Inform School Board Develop Schedule That Allows for

Advisement Logistics Research Various Approaches and Make

Recommendations to Administration and Faculty

Be Supportive to Program Coordinator and Staff

Counselor’s Role Help Give Staff

Non-Confidential Info

Help With Training of Staff

Help With Curriculum Writing

Teach Conferencing Skills

Serve on Advisory Committee

Determining Advisee Groups Interest Homeroom Alphabetically Mixed or By Grade Level ESOL Special Education

Set Advisor Periods Calendar Best Day of the Week Length of Session Getting on School Calendar Number of Sessions During School

Year Keeping Teachers Informed

Benefits Individual Career Plan for Each Student Teacher Team Work Improved Transition from Middle School

to High School Parent/Guardian Involvement Student Self-Esteem Improved Student Teacher Partnership

Curriculum Units Who or What Group Will Develop? Portfolios for Students Middle School vs. High School Relevant Curriculum Life Skills vs. Career Skills Notebooks for Teachers W Drive, CD

Teacher Training/Curriculum

Teacher’s Need Assurance & Help

Curriculum—Who Develops It?

Transition from Middle School-to High School

Teachers need training in groups

Key to Success on Advisories

Planning and Implementation Relating to students and helping

them believe that someone at school cares about them!

Making it all personal!!

Implementation

1. Buy-In from: A. Administration B. Counselors C. Teachers D. Students2. Who will oversee3. Committee4. Calendar

5. Curriculum 6. Program Name 7. Determine Groups 8. Advisor Training 9. Public Relations & Marketing 10. Evaluation 11. $$$-cost

Obstacles Resistance to Change Fear of the Unknown Existing Rules and Traditions Teacher Training Unions Administration Not Buying Into

Program

What Is The Real Purpose of this Program?

Relating to Students and Helping Them Believe Someone Cares at School About Them!! Making It All Personal.

QUESTIONS?? CONCERNS???