I spend a great deal of time researching educational reform, with a focus on academic advisement. I recently stumbled upon a dissertation titled Evaluation and Improvement of an Advisory Program by John Walter Van Ornum that supported much of my personal philosophy when it comes to education. In an effort to offer students more rigorous academic programs and more opportunities for involvement in the arts and athletics, we have created large schools that are expected to meet the needs of a large, diverse student population. The idea of advisory is to create a smaller-learning community as to personalize education and enhance the feelings of respect and connectedness. The authors research pointed to many ways this specific school could improve the advisory program, including increased teacher training and more planning time. In order for advisory to be a useful and important addition to the school curriculum, all stakeholders must have buy-in. It is my belief that we must first understand the why behind the how. Why do we have the Advisory program? Research varies greatly as to the effectiveness of such programs. Effective advisory programs tend to have increased stakeholder buy-in and a positive correlation to the schoolwide culture. My thoughts on any education initiative is "if we are going to do it, let's make it the best possible it it can be." Check out some of the research and findings below: http://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1170&context=dissertations http://educationnorthwest.org/news/what-research-says-or-doesn%E2%80%99t-say-advisory-programs Your thoughts and ideas are always welcomed here. Please share below:)
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AuthorJaime Fitch is an enthusiastic educator aiming to develop the whole child. ArchivesCategories |