A Model Mentor/Advisor Program Supporting Secondary School Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges and Their Families within Rural Vermont (October 1, 1996-September 30, 2000). Final Report.

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of the Mentor/Advisor Project, a program designed to promote positive self-concept and school success for high school students at risk of or experiencing emotional and behavioral disabilities in rural Vermont. The Project involved small groups of heterogeneous students (i.e., those with and without behavior problems) facilitated by an adult mentor, who engaged in community service learning activities and individualized projects that built upon their strengths and interests. Through these applied activities, students learned skills in the areas of collaboration, problem solving, conflict resolution, and self-appraisal. The mentor/advisors were volunteers from the school staff and received on-going support and consultation. Evaluation of the model was conducted in one school over a 4-year period. The evaluation process consisted of quantitative and qualitative components. Students-(n.102), parents, and teachers involved with the Mentor/Advisor Project were all included in the evaluation process, in addition to a matched control group. Students indicated that participation in the mentor groups had a positive effect on their relationships and increased their self-esteem, and parents noted their children gained skills as a result of their participation, particularly in the area of conflict resolution. (CR) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. A Model Mentor/Advisor Program Supporting Secondary School Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges and Their Families within Rural Vermont October 1, 1996-September 30, 2000