Taylor Times-8/27

Learning Lab Success

Happy One Year Anniversary, Heritage Christian School Learning Lab! Join us in celebrating the success of the HCA Learning Lab.

What is the Learning Lab?
The Learning Lab provides help for students with attention problems, dyslexia, dysgraphia and other learning disorders. These are all issues that cause great stress for students and parents. We address these areas through individualized teaching methods and learning strategies designed to meet your child's needs. Students are also able to take tests in the lab with needed modifications.

Why a Learning Lab at HCA?
We know that children with learning disorders are some of the most intelligent and talented students in school and yet they still struggle. They often develop a dislike for school and the stress associated with it. We desire to help prevent that at HCA.

What's the success story?
First and foremost the L.L. has been successful from a numbers perspective. We began last year with 13 students in grades 1st through 12th who signed up for the Learning Lab. At one point we reached 21 students and ended the year with 20 students! In addition, success was seen in the overall reception of the concept and expectations of the L.L. for teachers and students which was met with open arms. Students attended as if it had always been part of their academic day and teachers quickly jumped on board with sending students to the L.L for tests, quizzes and academic support. Teachers took to making accommodations in their classrooms and modifications on assignments, quizzes and tests as if it were second nature. And lastly, the support and encouragement from parents was an integral part of the success experienced by the students and for me as a teacher.

What has made it successful?
The main focus is the student and the needs specific to them. The ultimate goal is to instill skills within that student which will ultimately move them toward becoming an independent learner, one who advocates for themself and has confidence in their abilities. The focus is always taking the skills a student already has and building on them/sharpening them. The L.L is not a "one size fits all" environment. The level of support a student receives is specific to them and their approach to learning.

A Note from Anne DeBenny, Learning Lab Teacher:
I want to thank the HCA family for the love and support they have shown a Yankee from Philadelphia, who, despite loving the Eagles and Phillies, has been made to feel so welcomed and loved. The transition from living in Pennsylvania my entire life to moving to Texas has been made all that much easier by the joy I experience everyday coming to work. The Learning Lab is truly the best teaching experience I have had in my 10 year career because I truly feel that it has become all the best aspects of providing Special Education rolled into one: fantastic students who want to learn and grow, supportive teachers and administration, and loving and encouraging parents, not to mention no where near the amount of paperwork I had as a Special Education teacher in a public school! I truly feel so blessed that the Lord led me to HCA!