 Many high schools have developed mentorship
or advisory programs for incoming students. The Freshman Focus
Institute is similar to these programs in some respects. However,
it is different in two significant ways: scope and structure.
In 2002, The Institute for Human Services (IHS) helped guide the Hilliard City School District in developing Freshman Focus, a ninth grade transition model that uses an eight-step implementation process to ensure the effectiveness of the program. The Freshman Focus Institute was designed to
help ninth-grade students acquire essential knowledge and skills
to promote academic achievement and social success throughout
their high school years. To accomplish this, the Freshman Focus
program uses a wide range of lessons to help students become fully
involved and successful in negotiating high school.
A variety of sessions focus on:
- promoting students’
personal development
- strategies for health and wellness
- culture and diversity education to reduce bullying
and exclusion
- college and career planning
- leadership development
A fundamental component of Freshman
Focus is the use of upper class student leaders as mentors. Student
mentors and teachers are prepared to jointly present and facilitate
each class, and the student mentors lead much of the group discussion.
Student leaders also serve as models for incoming freshmen and
provide individualized support and instruction when needed.
For information on other training models developed by IHS, contact us today.
For additional information on Freshman Focus and attending one of their institutes, visit Freshman Focus Institute. |
