Thank you for your interest in
The Learning Resource Center!

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

The staff consists of more than 20 certified teachers. Each teacher has their degree in learning disabilities, remedial reading, elementary education, English, science, mathematics, or foreign languages. Most teachers hold their Master's degrees.

TYPES OF STUDENTS

Our students come to us from various public and private educational environments. Ages range from five-year-olds through adults. In their home schools, some are placed in self-contained classes or are in resource rooms specializing in students with learning disabilities. Others, although they demonstrate extensive academic difficulties, receive no special assistance in their school. Low motivation, poor self-concept, and attention difficulties are major problems.

However, a number of our students are gifted and attend our tutorial sessions so they can excel in their advanced courses in their public or private school.

TESTING

Prior to registering a student, we gather background and diagnostic information. If recent psychoeducational testing results are not available, we can perform the necessary evaluation. We also administer various criterion-based tests which help pinpoint specific skill weaknesses. If no special learning problems are suspected and only tutorial assistance is requested, then testing is not necessary.

MATERIALS

We have an extensive learning library of the most current educational materials including all of the Virginia Beach Public Schools' texts. In addition to these traditional instructional materials (i.e., manipulatives, basals, workbooks), we have developed our own supplementary materials.

LEARNING PROGRAMS

Many students do not succeed with traditional methods in large groups or with the standard curriculum's scope, sequence and pace. Some require heavy remedial work, while others need tutorial assistance or a combination of both approaches. Our one-on-one programs are truly individualized for each student. Each child's program is structured to produce mastery learning, an outstanding self-confidence booster. For most skills, we use data-based instruction (graphing baseline as well as daily progress). Graphing results are highly motivating to our students and help keep teachers on track as well. Younger students thoroughly enjoy our sticker system whereby stickers are earned for working toward, and eventually attaining, short- and long-term goals.

In the area of reading comprehension, we are quite pleased with a new approach we have been testing for the past several years. It entails extensive teacher modeling, followed by student practice, of a consistent concentration and anticipation technique (self-monitoring strategies). For many students, however, comprehension is not problematic once they can read all of the words.

For those who struggle to decode words and who have not profited from conventional phonics instruction, we have adapted the Orton-Gillingham technique, a highly structured, and intensive multisensory phonic method for the remediation of both decoding (word reading) and encoding (spelling).

We offer several other specialized reading programs. Fast ForWord, Step 4word, and 4wd can help students make rapid improvements in language and reading skills. These programs focus on improving thinking, listening and reading. Also offered is Lindamood Bell Reading which presents phonics to students in a tactile way. This approach allows many students with dyslexia to distinguish between sounds for the first time.

We are excited to continue to instruct students using former director Mrs. Foer's Basic Math Fact System. Many bright youngsters with short term memory deficits or attention deficit disorders fail to reach or maintain automaticity in basic math facts. We offer a unique strategy training program that has been highly successful in establishing rote accuracy and speed. It is a fail-proof method that the students enjoy. We have developed other equally well-thought-out programs from the improvement of penmanship (legibility, speed and copying accuracy), written expression, elementary and secondary mathematics, organizational skills and studying techniques. Our programs for study skills and SOL Test training are exceptional.

RESULTS

We are very proud of our results. In fact, 30-40% of our students consistently earn Honor Roll at their respective schools!

TYPES OF SESSIONS

During the school year, we work with students on a one-on-one basis in the afternoons and evenings. Two 50-minute sessions are provided per week during the school year.

We also run a six-week summer program with sessions available from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. for one-on-one as well as small group instruction.

TOUR

It would be our pleasure to have you visit our center and tour our facility. Please call ahead so we can set aside the time to meet with you personally.

SUBJECTS

The following academic subjects are taught on a one-on-one basis:

MATH		LANGUAGE ARTS
Elementary:	· Innovative method for memorization of math facts · Basic skills and concepts · Math fact mastery	Elementary:	· Whole Language Methodology   · Structured Phonics   · Reading Fluency   · Spelling   · Expressive Composition   · Handwriting
Secondary:	· Pre-Algebra · Algebra I · Geometry · Algebra II/Trig · Calculus	Secondary:	· English Literature · Composition · Grammar
SCIENCE	SOCIAL STUDIES	FOREIGN LANGUAGES
· Life Science   · Physical Science   · Earth Science   · Biology   · Chemistry   · Physics	· Elementary   · U.S. History   · Government   · World Geography	· French · Spanish

In addition, the following subjects are also offered during the school year:

      · Math or Verbal SAT training
      · SOL Test training
      · Study skills
      · Expressive writing
      · Conversational Spanish

The Learning Resource Center also provides advocacy services for parents of students with special needs.

Thank you again for your interest in
The Learning Resource Center.
Please let us know how we can help.

The Learning Resource Center
First Colonial Professional Center
909 First Colonial Road
(757) 428-3367