The Advisory System is a program designed to increase inclusion and personalization in middle and secondary schools, so that every student gets an opportunity to establish a personal relationship with one specific faculty member who will be their advocate and advisor. Such strong personal teacher-student equations are common in elementary schools because of the Homeroom System, but as students move into secondary school, chances of such close personal interaction reduce. The Advisory System ensures that no child is anonymous, unrepresented or unguided. The Advisor becomes the first person the student may seek out to discuss school or personal problems or seek assistance with more serious issues. The Advisor is also the first point of contact for other teachers and the student’s parents, and receives all important information regarding their advisee. The advisor and the advisee typically meet every day, and the agenda of the meeting could be anything from just touching bases to discussing academics, IEP goals, scheduling, discipline, study skills, career counseling or aptitude testing. The advisor stays in touch with parents and other teachers of the advisee through regular phone calls or meetings, gathers relevant information through formal or informal methods, maintains records on the advisee and advocates for the advisee in situations of crisis. Such positive interactions with an invested adult can enrich the student’s life in many ways, and make school a non-threatening, welcoming place.Read More
Under the Buddy Interaction programme, students from different age groups are paired with each other for a year, and work as a team to help each other. This is a very useful way to encourage social inclusion and create a culture of encouragement in the school. All students involved get to build social networks beyond their own classroom and learn important interpersonal skills. Students are paired together keeping in mind their personalities, unique needs and competencies. Shared activities during buddy interactions may include academic help like reading practice, reaching IEP goals or other coursework help, and also help with social settings. A student new to the school can settle in faster with the help of a supportive buddy. In case of situations like bullying the student may feel more comfortable turning to someone closer to their own age, but old enough to offer help or mediate. The programme enhances positive behaviors in both the older and the younger buddies. The program gives the older 'buddy' a sense of responsibility, accountability and competence. It hones empathy and allows for crucial self-exploration, self-definition and meaningful social interaction, especially vital to middle-schoolers and teenagers.Read More
Buddy Interaction
Under the Buddy Interaction programme, students from different age groups are paired with each other for a year, and work as a team to help each other. This is a very useful way to encourage social inclusion and create a culture of encouragement in the school. All students involved get to build social networks beyond their own classroom and learn important interpersonal skills. Students are paired together keeping in mind their personalities, unique needs and competencies. Shared activities during buddy interactions may include academic help like reading practice, reaching IEP goals or other coursework help, and also help with social settings. A student new to the school can settle in faster with the help of a supportive buddy. In case of situations like bullying the student may feel more comfortable turning to someone closer to their own age, but old enough to offer help or mediate. The programme enhances positive behaviors in both the older and the younger buddies. The program gives the older 'buddy' a sense of responsibility, accountability and competence. It hones empathy and allows for crucial self-exploration, self-definition and meaningful social interaction, especially vital to middle-schoolers and teenagers.Read More
Student Led Conference
A Student Led Conference is, as the name suggests, a progress review meeting led by students distinct from the more traditional teacher-led conferences where the student might be a passive participant. Typically, at the end of a term of study, students compile a set of representative classwork, assessment samples and other artifacts of learning in a file and engage in a process of revisiting and reflection of learning as preparation for the SLC. They then use the material collected in their portfolio files during the SLC to explain their achievements and grades to their parents. SLCs allow students to tell their own side of the story, take responsibility for their own learning and communicate to an invested audience how they plan to use the insights gained during the revisiting process in the coming term. The week long preparation time before an SLC includes reflection and review of all learning in the past term, planning for an effective conference, practicing with a buddy and preparing for hosting the event with teachers facilitating. SLCs allow parents and students some time to reflect as a family, and teachers get the chance to observe their students, listen carefully and review strengths and weaknesses.Read More
Student Led Conference
A Student Led Conference is, as the name suggests, a progress review meeting led by students distinct from the more traditional teacher-led conferences where the student might be a passive participant. Typically, at the end of a term of study, students compile a set of representative classwork, assessment samples and other artifacts of learning in a file and engage in a process of revisiting and reflection of learning as preparation for the SLC. They then use the material collected in their portfolio files during the SLC to explain their achievements and grades to their parents. SLCs allow students to tell their own side of the story, take responsibility for their own learning and communicate to an invested audience how they plan to use the insights gained during the revisiting process in the coming term. The week long preparation time before an SLC includes reflection and review of all learning in the past term, planning for an effective conference, practicing with a buddy and preparing for hosting the event with teachers facilitating. SLCs allow parents and students some time to reflect as a family, and teachers get the chance to observe their students, listen carefully and review strengths and weaknesses.Read More