Advisor / Advisee Modules

Establishing an Effective Guidance and Advisement System

A good guidance and advisement system is the glue that connects various high school and middle school experiences together in a meaningful way for students. An effective system can contribute to students’ achievement, help students set goals, find a niche in schools, and open up new vistas of opportunity beyond those which students may envision.

Why establish a guidance and advisement system?

1. Connects students to a caring adult.
2. Connects students to a goal.
3. Connects students and parents to the school.
4. Enables parents to meet yearly with their child’s adviser to address goals beyond high school and what it is going to take to achieve those goals.
5. Enables students to find their niche, a place in which he or she belongs within the school setting.

What are the conditions for establishing an effective advisor/advisee program?

1. Connect the right advisor with the right advisee.
2. Effective teacher advisors require proper preparation and planning.
3. Establish a schedule of advisory sessions for the year or semester.
4. Advisement sessions should not be regarded as study hall time.
5. Schools should agree on the topics that advisory sessions should cover.
6. Teacher advisors should undergo a training session at least one week before advisory sessions.
7. All faculty members should participate in the advisor/advisee program, including all administrative staff and guidance counselors.
8. Someone must be in charge of the adviser/advisee program.
9. Being an advisor is a privilege and an opportunity, not a burden.