| Abstract: | One program suggested for personalizing a school's educational program is small group advisory. High school student perceptions of their year-long group advisory program were collected, and high and low student satisfaction groups compared. Satisfied students were more often female, rated their advisory groups as more cohesive, and viewed their teacher advisor as more caring, less directive, and permitting greater student verbal freedom. Also, satisfied students rated their advisory meetings as less often marked by student disruptiveness, more engaging, and less superficial. Notably, student satisfaction was not found to be related to a student's socioeconomic background, performance, or school adjustment, suggesting that group advisory could offer a unique contribution to school life. However, drawing together all student perceptions, reactions to the advisory program were mixed, since students were doubtful about its possible benefits, modestly satisfied, and divided in their desire to continue in the program. The eventual decision to abandon the advisory program at this school is placed within the context of school reform and school change. |
