Exemplary middle schools have a variety of programs that support students' needs and help them adjust socially and emotionally; advisory programs can be one structure to effectively provide some of this support. This article shares the story of how a group of middle level teachers and teacher leaders within a culturally diverse school reclaimed…

Suggests that middle schools have not yet achieved guidance as a viable and essential part of the middle level curriculum. Considers the importance of identifying student characteristics and needs, the organization of support services, basic components of support services, and advocacy programs. (JPB)

Considers difficulties in implementing school advisory programs, related to the feminization of teaching, a phenomenon defined by the increasing number of women working as teachers, the reluctance of men to participate in advisory programs, and a pervasive cultural idea that "caring is women's work." (JPB)

By coupling the creative synergy of a school's staff with some field-tested planning strategies, any advisory program can be improved and focused on students' concerns. This article describes a middle school's efforts to link thematic units for learning with advisement opportunities. Step-by-step lesson plans for exploring stereotypical…

Examines how caring relationships between urban middle school students and their advisors at a Philadelphia middle school facilitate personal goal setting and community service as well as help them face issues related to sexuality, drugs and alcohol, personal safety, and conflict resolution. Notes comments from teachers emphasizing students' need…