Academic Achievement Groups

I can't believe that I have never written in depth about something that I believe so strongly about- Academic Achievement Groups. I have written about selecting students, learning styles, and goal setting on my old blog here.  I have even written about the academic achievement groups for the ASCA School Counselor Magazine.  
But, it's high time for me to share the whole shebang here!

Last year, 69% of students in the group passed the end-of-grade test in the area they did not pass in previous year. Students rated the group in a range of 5.6-6.0 on a scale of 6 in helping them with goal setting, learning study tips and whether they would recommend this group to other students.

This results are awesome and I continually, year after year, get similar results. So what do we do? The group meets for 9 45-minute sessions. I've even managed to squeeze the sessions into 30 minute lunch sessions but some of the more "fun" aspects are sacrificed.

Each group begins with a fun icebreaker and ends with a goal-setting reflection. If we have to, I will cut the icebreakers but I never ever cut the goal-setting portion of the session. This is the most important part of what we do. 

Before the group begins, I poll the teachers to find out which area is the greatest area of need for each student. In the first group session, we discuss what the teachers have said and help each other to write observable, achievable goals. I ask a lot of questions and really help each student pinpoint their goal. 

After the goal is set, we rate how they are doing on the goal weekly. I also check with the teacher to see how they think the student is doing and then discuss any discrepancies with the student. This is a hugely important skill for every kid- to reflect on their learning and make goals for improvement.

Sandwiched in between the icebreaker and the goal reflection, each session has a study skill/test prep based topic. We discuss learning styles, study skill tips, review the report cards, organization, stress relief, and test anxiety. One of my favorite activities is to create an organizational rubric and then take a "field trip" to each student's desk to discuss and reflect on how their organization is holding up in the classroom. 

I've pulled it all together, upped the creativity level of handouts, and put it all on my Teachers Pay Teachers store. To celebrate, the whole thing is 20% off until Friday, February 20th. Check it out!  You can also download the "Goaling" page for free here!