HS Advisory/SEL – Empowering Student Leaders through a Student-Centered Approach

As the HS continues to implement a reimagined Advisory/SEL Program this semester, the Grade Level Leaders (GLLs) and Counseling Team have embraced a student-centered approach by creating a collaborative system that includes a peer-selected Student Advisory Leadership Team for each grade level.

At the beginning of this school year, each Advisory group selected one student representative to serve on the Student Advisory Leadership Team.  This group of student leaders collaborates with the GLL and Counselor to co-construct an Advisory program that intentionally develops students’ social and emotional competencies, connect students to our communities, focuses on wellness, and helps create a sense of belonging for all students within our grade-levels and HS community.

One example of this collaborative system in action occurs during HS lunch every Tuesday in P134.  Mr. Erny (G11 GLL) and Ms. Dooley (G11 Advisory Counselor) meet weekly with eight Student Advisory Leaders to develop and plan the G11 Advisory/SEL sessions for the upcoming week.  These weekly meetings provide opportunities to:

  1. Check-in: a time to connect and share the realities of the students’ experience so that we, as a HS GLL team, can gain an understanding, develop empathy, and better support our students’ needs.
  2. Community: build a small community within a larger community so that these student leaders have a safe space to represent their peers.
  3. Collaborate: ensure that each student’s voice is heard and contributes to the planning of the Advisory/SEL program.
  4. Empower: build capacity within these leaders to creatively develop and confidently facilitate the Advisory/SEL program.
  5. Rehearse, Reflect & Revise: provide opportunity to rehearse the delivery of Advisory/SEL sessions, reflect on the success of the previous Advisory/SEL sessions, and make revisions moving forward.
  6. Encouragement: an opportunity for Mr. Erny and Ms. Dooley to encourage the student leaders and show gratitude for contributing to the school community through their investment in Advisory/SEL.

Our commitment to a student-centered approach emphasizes our value for student voice – ensuring that our Advisory/SEL learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant, and engaging for all students.  Through our Advisory/SEL Program the GLL Team and Student Advisory Leaders are working to create a culture of connection, well-being, and belonging at Concordia Shanghai.