Chapter 12: Teacher Advisories- A Proposal for Change

The need for change in middle schools includes a new approach to the advisory groups. When I was in middle school we did not have any type of advisor groups. The schools I have subbed in have a daily STAT period that is supposed to be an advisory period but turns in to an unstructured study hall. The idea, that advisory groups should meet less frequently and for longer periods of time makes perfect sense to me. It takes the daily grind of academics out of the equation and allows students an opportunity to develop a healthy relationship with an adult that cares about their well being. I would fully enjoy being a part of a middle school that took this approach. Kids do not need a study hall everyday to take the place of a relationship with a positive role model. If the groups met with hours to spend together, they really could develop community involvement with the students.