2. Guiding Questions
As we look at program integration
(Reading programs with campus
programs or other departments), we
should focus on the following:
◦ What programs maintain the integrity of
reading instruction and teaching strategies
we know work?
◦ What relationships with
departments/programs best support our goal
of student success?
◦ What departments/programs are most
supportive of reading instruction?
3. Learning Assistance Centers
• Began in 1970s
Professor Frank Christ at California
State University-Long Beach coined
the term
Defined by their comprehensive
nature and mission within the
institution.
4. Purpose of the LAC
Frank Christ defined the LAC purpose as
follows:
◦ higher course grades for participating
students
◦ central location for students to receive tutorial
assistance
◦ a referral source to other helping agencies
◦ a comprehensive library of basic study aids
◦ a training agency for paraprofessionals, peer
counselors, and tutors
◦ a center for faculty development
5. LSCHE Definition of LAC
A learning center is a developmental education program that
serves as the academic support system for students, faculty
and staff. A learning center assists students in the ongoing
development of academic and affective skills which contribute
to positive adjustment to and performance in a learning
environment. The term student as used in this definition
refers to formally enrolled full-time and part-time students as
well as staff, faculty and/or members of the community who
are pursuing a personal and non-formal goal of lifelong
learning. “The purpose of the learning center is to provide the
student with the opportunity to develop appropriate skills that
will actualize the learning goal. In achieving its purpose, the
learning center helps the institution to maintain standards of
excellence. The learning center achieves its purpose through
its programs, services and coordination of other programs
within the institution whose services enhance the student’s
learning goal. From Professional Standards for a Learning
Center, ACPA Commission XVI (Draft II).
◦ http://www.lsche.net/?page_id=83 accessed 2/28/2015
6. LAC Certification
CAS Standards and Guidelines for
Learning Assistance Programs
NADE Self-Evaluation Guides: Models
for Assessing Learning
Assistance/Developmental Education
Programs
LSCHE Best Practices
7. Effective assistance requires that the
services are focused on the students’
specific learning needs as well as the
students’ metacognitive development. In
order to meet the students’ needs, an
academic support center can serve
many functions by providing the
following:
o Appropriate academic resources such as
computer access and academic resources
o Diverse and active learning experiences such as
workshops, study groups, self-paced instruction via
video or software, and experiential learning
o Flexible hours
o Referrals to other services (medical, psychological ,
financial).
8. Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic
assistance program that utilizes peer-assisted
study sessions.
◦ Regularly-scheduled, informal review sessions
◦ Integrate course content and study skills while working
together.
◦ Facilitated by “SI leaders”, students who have previously
done well in the course and who attend all class lectures,
take notes, and act as model students.
SI Programs target “historically difficult courses” not students
Created at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in
1973
◦ Original faculty committee wanted to avoid an implication
that student support is remedial.
9. Basic Skills Initiative
In 2006, California funded the Basic
Skills Initiative to improve student
access and success
The grant allowed colleges to
implement best practices in the
following areas:
◦ Supplemental Instruction (64-65)
◦ Learning Communities (58-59)
◦ Transfer Achievement Programs/Bridge
Programs
http://www.cccbsi.org/Websites/basicskills/Images/Lit_Review_Student_Success.pdf
10. References
Arendale, David. "History of supplemental instruction (SI): Mainstreaming of developmental education."
Histories of developmental education (2002): 15-27.
Basic Skills as a Foundation for Student Success in California Community Colleges
http://www.cccbsi.org/Websites/basicskills/Images/Lit_Review_Student_Success.pdf
Green, M., and L. Milbourne. "Definitions: Learning Support Center/Learning Assistance Center -
Learning Support Centers in Higher Education." Learning Support Centers in Higher Education.
LSCHE, 1998. Web. 25 Feb. 2015.
Robinson, G. (2002). Stepping into our destiny: service learning in community colleges. Community
College Journal, Dec./Jan, 8-12.
