Innovation Hour: A Qualitative Case Study of a School-Wide Advisory

Innovation Hour is a unique advisory program that was created at Anywhere High School to foster increased student connectedness to school. Having a strong connection to school may help students thrive, building capacity and protective factors. A qualitative case-study methodology was used to explore the two research questions. First, what were students? and staffs? experiences with the creation and implementation of Innovation Hour at Anywhere High School? Second, did Innovation Hour meet the driving goal of connecting students to school? Four focus groups with students, teachers, and school counselors were conducted. A thematic data analysis was performed, and four themes were identified. A belief in Innovation Hour?s student-led delivery and service focus emerged. Further, while buy-in and logistical challenges were significant, the students were resilient in their eagerness to lead. Limitations and directions for future research, as well as recommendations, were discussed