Academic Support Center
INTRODUCTION
In the Fall of 1997, Marin Catholic High School opened the Academic Support Center (ASC) to provide support and services to students with diagnosed learning differences. The program currently serves about 74 students. The students work with a specially trained staff. Participation in the program is voluntary and is provided at no additional cost to families.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the program is to provide ASC students additional support in the MC college preparatory school environment. Based on psycho-educational assessments, the ASC staff works with classroom teachers to help them understand the student’s special needs and make the necessary accommodations to maximize the success of each student. The goal of the program is to help each student achieve their maximum potential, while developing the necessary learning skills and compensation strategies to succeed independently. Students in the program include individuals with specific learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, medical conditions, and various other diagnoses that interfere with the learning process.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Lower division students have the option to register for a daily Resource Class as an elective to develop study skills, individual learning strategies and self-advocacy. Students not exercising this choice will meet regularly with the Resource Specialist or Program Director during a Resource Consultation appointment to develop these skills. Upper division students meet for an independent study class or Resource Consultation with the Resource Specialist or Program Director. To remain in the support program students must adhere to the designated scheme of classes and meetings. Parents are expected to attend all mandatory meetings and support student involvement in the program. Professional ssessments must be renewed every three years in order to continue to be eligible for services. Accommodation Plans and 504 Plans are created and reviewed yearly.
SERVICES PROVIDED
- Advice, assistance and referral regarding any academic obstacles that the student may encounter.
- Explanation of individual learning profile.
- Collaboration with classroom teachers to discuss specific learning styles and to ensure implementation of accommodations determined by ASC, considering recommendations in supporting documentation(e.g., extended time on tests, preferred seating).
- Specific individual instruction in study skills, independent learning strategies and self-advocacy.
- Individual help with academic course study plans, research projects, term papers and other writing assignments.
- Opportunity to study in groups and collaborate with other students in the program.
- Proctoring of exams when extended time is needed (standardized tests, midterms, or finals).
- Assistance in obtaining extended time for standardized testing.
- Assistance in researching support services at the college level.
- Referral for psycho-educational evaluation services.