[BHS etree] SHARED GOVERNANCE: BHS Parent/Guardian Meeting, Dec 8 - New Advisories for Fall

[bhs at idiom.com]

Sandy Stier, BHS Shared Governance [mailto:SStier at acbhcs.org]

 
Dear BHS Parents & Guardians;

Please join your Shared Governance Parent Representatives and key BHS
Administrators & Educators to learn about Student Advisories for Fall
2008.  This Advisory Program brief reflects the decision made by the
School Governance Council to implement advisories next fall.  This is
a significant change in the class schedule for your student.  When
finalized, the Advisory Proposal must be approved by BFT (Berkeley
Federated Teachers Union) and the School Board before it can be
implemented.  

Come hear more about Advisories and provide your input on:
     Saturday, December 8th
     10:00am to 12:00pm
     BHS College & Career Center
     (Spanish translator will be available)

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BHS Advisory Program Proposal - Proposed Implementation Fall 08
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What is Advisory? 

Advisory will be a mandatory part of your student's curriculum and is
part of the WASC plan to improve our school.   Advisory will meet
twice a week and will have approximately 20 students per class.  When
possible, students will have the same advisor (teacher or counselor)
each year.   Advisory will be a pass/fail course with structured
curriculum.

Why Advisory?

Our WASC Plan (for accreditation) includes implementing Advisories to
reduce the achievement or equity gap.  It ensures that each student
has at least one adult advocate in the school overseeing their
academic progress and helping them create a plan for success.  Many
schools have experienced success with advisory programs; more
information will be posted soon on the BHS website.

What is the Curriculum for Advisory?

A detailed curriculum guide will be developed for advisors to use.
Advisors will work with students on course selection, establishing a 5
year plan that extends beyond high school, serve as their advisees
advocate in parent conferences and disciplinary matters, refer
students to appropriate academic and counseling supports, and meet
with advisees to review academic and guidance records.

Advisory Schedule 

The advisory block schedule will meet or exceed the state required
64,800 minutes of annual instructional minutes.  The following is a
SAMPLE draft schedule (no final decision has been made):

     Monday/Thursday/Friday - No change from current schedule
     Tuesday - Periods 1,2,3 (long classes) with a 45 minute advisory
scheduled mid-day
     Wednesday - Periods 4,5,6 (long classes) with a 45 minute
advisory scheduled mid-day

     There would continue to be one late start day per month. This day
would have the current schedule and would not be on an advisory day.