110 likes | 132 Views
Advisory. Massachusetts School Counselors Association Spring Conference April 11, 2011. Who We Are. Bob Bardwell Director of Guidance & Student Support Services Monson High School bardwellr@monsonschools.com Ruth Robert School Counselor Ware High School rrobert@ware.k12.ma.us
E N D
Advisory Massachusetts School Counselors Association Spring Conference April 11, 2011
Who We Are • Bob Bardwell Director of Guidance & Student Support Services Monson High School bardwellr@monsonschools.com • Ruth Robert School Counselor Ware High School rrobert@ware.k12.ma.us • Elizabeth Reed School Counselor Monson High School reede@monsonschools.com
Advantages of Advisory • Provides another adult in addition to the school counselor in the school to get to know each student • Makes a large school feel smaller • Can help to deliver the guidance curriculum and other skills not taught elsewhere in the curriculum
Advantages of Advisory (continued) • Increases morale • Improves school climate • Provides opportunity for class spirit and friendly competition
Advisory Models • Homeroom or alphabetical • Interest Group (NHS, knitting, outdoor group) • Class (technology, Shakespeare) • Daily • Weekly • Bi-weekly
Challenges or Roadblocks • Staff buy in • Contract issues (Another teacher prep) • Not all advisors will deliver equally (some students miss out) • Scheduling • Activities may not be appropriate for large groups (ie: Scavenger Hunt)
Challenges or Roadblocks(continued) Funding activities Keeping all grade levels engaged (ie: Seniors) Balancing fun activities with curricular needs Keeping groups small (enough staff)
The Monson Story • Started in 2003 • Freshmen only - 15 groups (3 per homeroom) • Met every other week (or so) • Volunteer teachers • No formal training • No set schedule • Run by principal • 2008-09 • Added grade 10 • Created SAP bell schedule • Created Advisory Committee
The Monson Story (continued) 2009-10 Added grade 11 Provided staff meeting time for training 2010-11 Added grade 12 Staff requested it meets every week Created Advisory Committee that is charged with developing curriculum Got some funding from administration for activities