Mission Based Advisory Programs

This manual provides a comprehensive, how-to perspective on the professional development of advisors and the strengthening of advisory programs in private-independent schools. While this book is intended for private school educators, we also hope that advisory program leaders in charter, magnet, and other public schools will find benefit in these pages as well. We have learned that readers of this book, regardless of type of school, are typically seeking a more robust and meaningful advisory program, one that is much more than simply "homeroom" and one that is built on the connection between advisor professional development and student well-being. "A comprehensive guide to creating and strengthening advisory-the why, the how, the keys to success, the pitfalls to avoid, and the ways advisory can enrich the culture of the school." -- Robert Evans, Executive Director, The Human Relations Service "A strong advising program is crucial in keeping a school's mission alive and vibrant in the daily life of the school. Unfortunately, most schools provide little, if any, professional development for faculty to support this important role, creating an inconsistent experience for its students. Whether a school is looking to start an advisory program, rejuvenate one, or provide concrete professional development for its faculty, Roger Dillow's Mission-Based Advisory: A Professional Development Manual is an important resource for all schools." -- Douglas H. Lagarde, Head of School, Severn School (MD) "Whether your school is implementing an advisory program or looking to renew one, this book provides workable strategies that are mission-driven. The suggested activities-for the advisory program and for advisor professional development-contribute to the development and sustainability of positive school culture and social-emotional learning for your students. I'm going to use this book with my Lead Advisory Group as we look to enhance our Middle School program." -- Kathryn Christoph, Middle School Principal, Dwight-Englewood School (NJ) "Mission-Based Advisory: A Professional Development Manual comprehensively frames the professional role of advisors and advisory programs and the meaningful relationships that develop between students and trusted adults in independent schools. More than ever, mission-driven independent schools are seeking ways to highlight the value added for students and families; implementation and application of an effective advisory program is a powerful example of value added and a distinctive quality of our schools. The personalized approach to advisory ensures that all students are supported through their academic and social/emotional growth. The strong interpersonal ties cultivated in advisory programs allow students to be known and valued with advisors supporting them in appropriate and significant ways. This Manual provides guidance for deans, counselors, administrators, and advisors to develop a new program or move an existing program to the next level." -- Irene G. Mortensen, Director of Studies, Gill St. Bernard's School (NJ)

In private-independent schools, the advisory program provides a mission-based plan for student learning and development that is the cornerstone of effective schools. This research-driven, practical, and strategic approach to advisory significantly enhances the individual student experience and thus your school's ability to retain and recruit your students. This manual provides a comprehensive, "how-to" perspective on the professional development of advisers and the strengthening of advisory programs, particularly in private schools. You will learn the underlying principles of advisory, the best practices for your advisory program, how to design your student counseling program, how to better support your students, how to develop your faculty's skills in student counseling, how to increase buy-in among your teachers for your advisory program, the difference between group and individual advisory, yellow- and red-light issues, the marketing implications of your advisory program, and much more. Also included are forms and tools that can be photocopied, ISM's Student Culture Profile, and many other practical items that can be used immediately.

Transform Advisory into Responsive Advisory Meeting with structured, purpose-driven plans to build relationships, develop communication and social skills, and support and extend academics.Developed from research with middle school students and teachers in rural, suburban, and urban public middle schools, each plan is designed to meet students' needs for belonging, significance, and fun while helping them build skills and explore their interests.

Children in today's world are inundated with information about who to be, what to do and how to live. But what if there was a way to teach children how to manage priorities, focus on goals and be a positive influence on the world around them? The Leader in Meis that programme. It's based on a hugely successful initiative carried out at the A.B. Combs Elementary School in North Carolina. To hear the parents of A. B Combs talk about the school is to be amazed. In 1999, the school debuted a programme that taught The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleto a pilot group of students. The parents reported an incredible change in their children, who blossomed under the programme. By the end of the following year the average end-of-grade scores had leapt from 84 to 94. This book will launch the message onto a much larger platform. Stephen R. Covey takes the 7 Habits, that have already changed the lives of millions of people, and shows how children can use them as they develop. Those habits -- be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek to understand and then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw -- are critical skills to learn at a young age and bring incredible results, proving that it's never too early to teach someone how to live well.

What does it mean to personalize education? How does an advisory program help to effectively educate young people? A successful Advisory program is designed to support all aspects of the individual student's educational, social, and emotional experiences. A progressive approach to education understands that the more that a school personalizes education the more success educators will have in preparing children for the future. At The Crefeld School, the Advisory system is a pivotal component of the school's program, which ensures that every student is well known, carefully thought about, and effectively educated. In The Advisory Program, the core components of The Crefeld School's method is outlined, enabling other institutions to learn about, adapt, and implement their own Advisory systems.

Middle-level educators can bridge differences, reduce bias, and help diverse students connect to school. Face to Face Advisories guides 125+ advisory conversations about culture, with daily messages, greetings, share topics, robust and varied activities, and reflection questions, to prompt development of social skills, critical thinking, and open discussion. The advisories help students think critically and with feeling as they: ⿢ Develop appreciation for cultural diversity ⿢ Cultivate connections across differences ⿢ Examine the price we pay for intolerance ⿢ Realize that each of us can be a change agent ⿢ Take action for equity Abundant teacher support: research, theory, resources, and practical tips guide each advisory.