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The Learning Center at Harrells Christian Academy

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TLC was established to provide a unique and essential service to students with different language-based learning differences by offering an alternative to traditional education. TLC at Harrells Christian Academy creates a teaching environment that removes major obstacles for learning.

     By placing the students in a more suitable condition for learning, students will close the gap between their achievement and their potential. Teacher-student ratios of 1 to 3 allow for individualized instruction in the core areas of greatest need.

     The primary focus of TLC is to provide small group or one-on one language instruction to facilitate the development of skills needed to successfully read, write, and spell. Math and intensive study services are also available during the school day. Intensive studies focuses on teaching students the strategies needed to become independent, responsible learners.

     Students enrolled in TLC come from the regular classroom and participate in all programs, except the areas where focused instruction is required.

 

WHAT IS MULTISENSORY LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION?

  •   Instruction that is direct and diagnostic in phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, and sentence and paragraph formation through research-based specialized instruction.
  • Skills are taught in an intensive, structured, and individualized manner, using auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods.
  • The goal of TLC is to equip students with skills necessary to perform within the regular classroom setting.



WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED?

  • Daily lessons in phonics, reading, spelling, grammar, and writing using the Orton-Gillingham Multisensory approach (K-12)
  • Math instruction - grades K-6
  • Intensive study services - grades 6-12
  • A state of the art computer lab with software (Kurzweil) that enables students to become independent learners and active classroom participants.
  • Yearly pre- and post- assessments
  • Early intervention for Kindergarten students through the use of Predictive Assessment of Reading (P.A.R.)
  • TLC offers a safe, nurturing, and postive learning environment.
 

How Do Students Become Learning Center Candidates? 

  • Students must be enrolled at Harrells Christian Academy.
  • Students must  have a current psycho-educational evaluation indicating a language-based learning difference.
   

2011 - 2012 Staff
Angie Wachter, M.A., CALT, received her B.S. degree in Special Education from Central Michigan University, and her M.A. degree in Psychology from Ball State University. Angie completed the associate level of Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Structured Language Education in 1999 at the Key Learning Center in Asheville, NC and the certified (advanced level) in 2000. Angie earned her credentials as a Certified Academic Language Therapist from the Academic Language Therapy Associates in 2009. She has served on the board of directors of the North Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association for six years. Angie has worked nine years (2001-2010) as a Language Coach in both associate and certified level trainings at the Key Learning Center in Asheville, NC, training many in the multisensory language approach.

Laura Jackson, M.A., ALTA, received her B.S. in Home Economics and her M.A. in Education from East Carolina University. Laura completed the associate level of Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Structured Language Education in 2005 and the certified level in 2006. Laura earned her credentials as an Academic Language Therapist Associate Teacher form the Academic Language Therapy Associates in 2008. This is her fourth year serving on the board of directors of the North Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Laura worked as an assistant Language Coach for the associate level training at the Key Learning Center in Asheville, NC in 2009.

 


For more information: awachter@harrellsca.org