By Emily Gilburt ’16

Upon observing various Advisory classrooms, it is apparent that there are differences in the content taught from teacher to teacher. To a certain extent, this variance is intentional.

This year, advisory was designed to center around the needs and responsibilities of each grade. With two pre-designed lessons, a lesson of the teacher’s choice, and a lesson to review individual academic progress, the purpose of Advisory is to ensure every student is introduced to a comfortable environment in school and provided important information and skills regarding their education. “The one advisors’ choice [lesson] was something that came out of staff. They said ‘can’t we do what we want to do,’” explained Karen Rose, the 10th grade administrator and the director of the Advisory program.

The prearranged lessons regularly offer the teachers the options for activities, such as worksheets, videos, discussions and role-playing exercises. However, some teachers completely deviate from the lessons that they have been given. In some cases, students are given “free time” in Advisory while the teacher grades papers or completes other tasks. “The negative is that Advisory lessons are inconsistent in each class,” said an anonymous teacher.

The aim of the Advisory program is not that every teacher does the exact same lesson, but that certain skills, knowledge and materials are passed along for students. “I personally think advisory is really valuable because we’re trying to make sure every kid has access to the same information,” said Sandi Williams, the 12th grade administrator. “Now, what students choose to do with that information is where they may drop off. Or how the information is delivered—because I may deliver it one way and you may deliver it another way—but the overarching goal is every kid has access to information.”

She noted that staff members are going to put together a survey for both staff and students to complete so that the school can receive feedback about Advisory. Williams also pointed out that it is important that students do their part to come to Advisory with a positive attitude. “I’ve randomly talked to kids about doing things about their advisors who don’t deliver a lesson and then I’ve gone to those classes and their advisor is delivering the lesson,” she said. “Sometimes the kids are sitting by the back door and laughing. So they choose not to participate.”