Turning Point 2000-Chapter 6

Abstract:
It is very clear that supportive relationships foster successful learning. Strong relationships with adults form critical pathways for student learning. By showing students our support for them we motivate the children to strive for a higher level of learning. Students most often become who you think they are. They will meet the expectations you set for them, whether those expectations are high of low. School size also dramatically affects students in a school. Smaller schools, or large school broken up into smaller teams allows for students to have more individualized attention from their core teachers. Creating smaller teams of core teachers is also a good thing for the teachers. Integration becomes easier, students are less likely to fall through the cracks, teachers have more time to plan together and individually, teachers do not have to chose. Teamwork improves students' education. Advisors also provide a support network for students during the school day. Advisory can work in several different ways, but when done correctly, every student in a school should have a trusted adult that he or she can go to.

Reflection:
We all agreed that relationships are key for a middle school to thrive and be successful. It is also important for the whole school to be on board in order to make teaming work. All the elements of teams must be implemented or the students will lose out. Teams need to be given time to plan together so they can develop meaningful and effective learning experiences for the students they are responsible for. Administration needs to be part of this process while still giving teachers the reins. Administration should help while still giving teachers the space that they need to meet their goals. We also agreed the if advisory is implemented correctly it can be an amazing opportunity for teachers to reach students who may seem unreachable, and for students to find a reliable adult whom they trust. Advisory provides a system to ensure that each student has found an adult to connect to.