AMP-ing Up: A Quality Improvement Project for the West Coast Preparatory School Advisory Program

Abstract

West Coast Preparatory School has developed a reputation for academic, athletic, and artistic excellence within a supportive, caring community. Advisory at this independent school for grades 7-12 is noteworthy because it does not meet the high standards of Prep's other programs. This quality improvement case study provides an exploration of the reasons why some Prep faculty and other constituent groups regard advisory as a less than effective aspect of the school's overall curriculum. The results from surveys, interviews, and field notes suggests that Prep can improve its advisory program by more clearly articulating advisory's purpose and providing pathways to fulfill that purpose; by introducing accountability into the program so that advisors make effective use of their autonomy as advisors; and by nurturing advisors' intrinsic motivation to provide the same high level of quality in advisory that they currently give to their classes, teams, and clubs.