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Explore and Engage

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Building Student Relationships and Increasing Engagement Through Advisory Classes

SESSION DATES & TIMES COMING IN AUGUST 2026
Audience Classification: Online Learning
Audience Expertise: Strategic Growth - Experienced leaders focused on optimizing established programs and solving persistent challenges.
Grade Level Focus: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools
Primary Audience: Counselor / St Support, Content Designer, Teacher, Inst Leader, School Leader
Does this session focus on a specific product? No – This session is focused on ideas, strategies, or practices, not a specific product or service.
Abstract Description : Building authentic relationships in virtual schools can be challenging, yet they are vital for student success. This session explores how Leona Connected High School (Arizona) uses its advisory course, Terabyte Time, to strengthen connections, boost engagement, and support the whole student. Participants will learn how Terabyte Time pairs each student with a trusted advisor and integrates key components such as ECAP planning, civic lessons, academic monitoring, and social-emotional learning activities like the “I Wish I Knew” series to build ownership and resilience. Attendees will also engage in collaborative discussions to identify best practices, personalize advisory experiences, and enhance student participation in virtual settings. By the end, participants will leave with practical strategies and adaptable resources to design or refine advisory programs that connect students to school, learning, and their future.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to identify key components of an effective advisory program that foster student connection, engagement, and academic accountability—using Terabyte Time as a model.
  • Participants will develop practical strategies to strengthen student–teacher relationships and personalize advisory experiences within their own school or virtual learning environment.