What is an advisory program?

Student advisory programs provide a structure in which an adult and a small group of students meet at a regularly scheduled time throughout the school year. Advisories can be a primary vehicle for creating a more personalized learning environment where all students are well known by at least one adult, and for supportive student peer groups to develop.  Moreover, advisory can provide a structure and a set of practices for monitoring and supporting students’ academic progress and college and career readiness throughout their secondary school years.  
 
Some schools set aside ten minutes every day for advisory so that student is well known by an adult. Other schools opt to have longer, less frequent meetings where students can improve their interpersonal skills or engage in college or career exploration. In others students’ personalized learning plans (PLP’s) are developed, reviewed, and monitored over time by both the student and advisor.  
 
Although programs can vary widely by school, there are some common purposes that most share. These include: 
 
· Helping students adjust to school, particularly during transition periods such as entering sixth graders or freshman, or having a focus on senior year activities for students preparing to graduate. 
· Building community among students to foster a sense of belonging among a group of peers. 
· Providing academic advising and coaching to help students succeed by providing support in a proactive and organized way. 
 
Here are some links for more information about student advisory programs: 
For some basic information on advisory try this link: 
http://guidancechannel.com/default.aspx?M=a&index=1939&cat=16 
 
To find out how ESR can assist schools with developing and implementing advisory programs:  
http://esrnational.org/professional-services/high-school/partners-in-learning/advisory-program/