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Home > About Us > Our Philosophy > Advisory Structure
The
advisory structure is the core organizational and relational structure
of a Big Picture School. It is the heart and soul The advisor’s role is to manage the student’s Learning Through Internships (LTIs) and individual, personalized learning plans. To do this, the advisor must get to know and build relationships with each student and his or her families (this includes home visits, and one-on-one meetings with each student). Though certified in one area, the advisor does not “teach” his or her subject area; rather he or she needs to draw on many disciplines to meet the needs of each student, their projects, and the advisory activities. Ultimately, the success of the student is the responsibility of the advisor. The advisor is a coach, mentor, teacher, manager, and often, friend. Advisors guide students in learning how to manage their time, plan their work, find internships, andcomplete projects. Advisors coach students to seek and build authentic learning experiences inside and outside of the school building. The
advisor also organizes the “advisory time” (the half
hour to hour-long meetings of the group) in the morning and the
afternoon to meet the needs of the students. He or she facilitates
the group activities that are designed to expose
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of the school and is often described as the “home”
and “second family” by students. All Big Picture Schools
have a small number of students (goal of 15) with one advisor
for a minimum of two years (preferably four). 
students
to new ideas and concepts; provide academic learning opportunities;
create a group identity and group process; and build a sense of
belonging and trust in each other, school, and the educational
process. 
