Structure

PURPOSE OF ADVISORY

An advisory program is a key element for any middle school. Advisory provides that sense of belonging that 10 to 15 year olds crave. It also offers teachers a chance to discuss with students issues that simply don't arise in the course of a regular class.

The Middle School Model is founded on the wisdom of researchers and dozens of middle school teachers who are passionate about meeting the needs of young adolescents. The needs of adolescents include autonomy, competence, relationships and fun. The Middle School Model allows educational facilities and educators to foster positive social skills and engage students in their learning.

Advisory period provides students with the opportunity to establish a connection with an adult and build a sense of community within the classroom. Students will be able to connect with an adult who will serve as a guide/mentor during their current school year and potentially years to come. Students will also be given the time to connect with other students and learn skills necessary for successful and healthy relationships.

Some schools may have an advisory group that meets each morning while other schools may gather at a designated time once or twice a week. Some advisories have explicit curriculum to follow while some may not.

Advisory should have consistency and structure while also maintaining flexibility. Consistency will help students become so familiar and custom to advisory period that they will eventually be able to lead the class. Flexibility allows for “teachable moments” and the diversity among staff and students. All participants in advisory are going to contribute in their own personal manner so flexibility and variation are key.

The participants in advisory should be multi-grade level and the number of participants should be smaller than the average class size. The leader of the advisory does not necessarily need to be a classroom teacher. Guidance counsellors and administration should participate in advisory period.