In addition, Ms. Ismail organizes our advisory program. As we continue to develop our middle level education program, the advisory class will play an integral role in providing us with a well rounded program.
Below is an excerpt from an AMLE (Assoc of Middle Level Education) research summary providing some insight to purpose of a quality advisory program. As in other areas of this blog, throughout the school year we will post additional articles and research on this topic to promote understanding of our overall programs at ACS.
Components of Successful Advisory Programs: Rationale, Design, & Emphasis (July 2006)
"Rationale for Advisory Programs
- Promote small, caring communities of learners.
- Promote mutually respectful and meaningful relationships.
- Provide individual attention to students.
- Provide each student with an opportunity to "belong."
- Allow teachers to be actively involved in the affective development of students.
- Emphasize the social and emotional development of every young adolescent.
- Assist students with interpersonal communication skills development.
- Need careful organizing, planning, preparing, implementing, and monitoring.
- Need guidance department, administration, and district-level support.
- Need teacher, parent, and student input and active involvement.
- Need teachers/advisors trained and committed to teaching young adolescents.
- Need relevant, ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Need regularly scheduled meeting times.
- Length of advisory meetings–20 to 40 minutes, uninterrupted.
- Number of students assigned to advisory groups–10 to 20 students.
- Based on teacher and student input.
- Based on the affective domain.
- Address needs of specific school and community.
- Social/communication/positive interpersonal relationships.
- Respect for self and others/good citizen.
- Accept responsibility for education and actions.
- Develop group, team, and school spirit.
- Academic monitoring/assistance/motivation.
- Study, test-taking, and note-taking skills instruction.
- Self-esteem activities/self-awareness growth.
- Appreciate talents, health, and potential.
- Understand and make commitments.
- Decision making/coping skills/problem solving.
- Career education/guidance/future planning.
- Set and achieve goals/organize time.
- Intramural activities/community service projects.
- School issues and concerns/adjustments.
- Substance abuse/current adolescent issues."