Supported Learning and Advisory (SLA)

Each student in the High School will have a Supported Learning and Advisory (SLA).  This class meets 3-5 times a cycle with a teacher/mentor to lead the class for the entire school year. This course follows all attendance and behavior policies as any other course. SLA is also considered in part with the CAS and LEAD graduation requirements.

The shared purpose for SLA is Relating. 

In SLA, we will...

• Build relationships with classmates and teachers

• Grow personally, socially, emotionally, and academically

• Navigate challenges inside and outside high school and reflect on their actions

• Develop and practice essential skills helpful for high school and the future

The SLA program is overseen by two Grade Level Leaders for each grade level. This class is grade-level based and meets every other day (grades 9 and 10) or three times a cycle (grades 11 and 12) with a teacher allocated for the entire school year as their mentor/supervisor/tutor. It is not an honor pass. Each student in the High School will have a Supported Learning and Advisory (or simply SLA) class included in their schedule.  Advisory (A) curriculum is taught throughout the 10-day cycle.  This may be on the A/B rotation or in mini-lessons throughout the cycle. The Supported Learning component (SL) is designed to allow students time to do work under the supervision and guidance of a teacher.  This is also a time where counselors and others in the High School access students to support them with CAS, applying to university, stress management and a myriad of other items. We do ask that if students need to use Support Learning time to see other teachers they keep this to the latter half of the SLA class period.

For students, the SLA includes:

Advisory:

• Build relationships with each other and teachers

• Participate in SEL experiences

Supported Learning: The second half of SLA is designed for students have individual meetings with their classroom teachers, counselors, or other faculty. They can also schedule time with National Honors Society tutors, work with their classmates within SLA, update their CAS portfolios, or work independently. 

• Complete unfinished assignments that may be overdue or assessments that were missed

• Meet collaboratively in an SLA classroom with peers to work on common projects such as presentation planning, videos etc.

• Meet with other teachers or counselors for support.

Scheduling Meetings during SLA

If a student wants to use their SLA lesson for something outside the SLA classroom (ex. meet with a teacher or counselor, make up an assessment, etc.), the student must:

• Create a calendar invitation that includes the SLA teacher and the faculty member that will be met with. The appointment can only be after the first 20 minutes of class.

• This should be done at least 24 hours in advance so that both faculty members can grant or deny approval for the meeting request. Both must approve in order for the student to leave SLA. needs to seek permission from the SLA teacher - they should not assume that this is 'okay'. 

• Once the meeting has concluded, students should return to the SLA classroom. 

In the SLA class, a teacher will:

• Build healthy relationships with and among students. At a minimum, this should be done by:

  • Conducting a check-in at the beginning of each class

  • Participate in an experience that meets the day's objective with your SLA

  • Conduct a closure activity

  • Support students' independent time

  • Manage the classroom environment ot support  students

  • Gather feedback from students on the SLA experience

• Supervising CAS records in the ManageBac program

• Promoting learning dispositions

• Implementing intervention strategies when requested