When Advisory Disappears: Why Students Need Connection More Than Ever

One of the absolute best parts of my job is I get to work in schools all over the country, some times the world. To walk halls and talk with everyone from Admin to custodial staff, from students to teachers, I’m always left inspired. There are some differences based on regions, or funding yet they are remarkably the same, humans coming together to foster education and support the next generation. It’s the best.

And yet, I heard something that really bummed me out the other day, and I wanted to share it with you. Not to ruin your day, rather perhaps if we talk about it, we can prevent it from becoming a trend.

In my travels, I learned of a district that was no longer going to have Advisory / Homeroom anymore, and therefore, no SEL or student support built into the day. None. Zero. Why?  For a reason I am sure many of you can recognize or even identify with.

The teachers at one school in the district were overwhelmed. They didn’t feel they had the training or the materials to deal with big issues with their kids, They were afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, that the lessons they were having to create on their own would not be enough, or would do more harm than good. So they decided to give up. And because the district wanted uniformity and parity at all the schools,, hundreds and hundreds of kid, will now be getting nothing. Despite the research being clear that SEL benefits learning, they were throwing in the towel.

Teachers want the best for their students when they need connection. And nobody wants to be put in a bad spot, or potentially not meet their students where they need to, and that's exactly why we created The Story Exchange. To Support teachers and kids. To provide classrooms with meaningful content that requires almost no teacher prep and leads to meaningful, supportive connections among students. Not just to one classroom where the teacher has taken special training, every classroom. Every kid. 

As much as hearing about a whole district not doing meaningful character ed and SEL support breaks my heart, the possibility of the opposite, of every kid finding connection and every educator feeling empowered and supported in building community gives me immense hope.

Kevin Ozar

Co-Founder, COO The Chalkboard Agency

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About The Chalkboard Agency | Ready-To-Use, Character-Building Video Lessons When Students Need Connection

The Chalkboard Agency is dedicated to helping educators foster meaningful classroom connections without adding to their already full plates. Through The Story Exchange, we provide ready-to-use, character-building video lessons that inspire conversations, strengthen student relationships, and create a positive school culture—all with minimal prep. Our mission is to support teachers and empower students in every classroom, everywhere.

Contact us:

📧 info@thechalkboardagency.com 🌐 www.thechalkboardagency.com 📱 Follow us on social media @TheChalkboardAgency