Cowan Learning Lab

Program Summary

Cowan’s Learning Lab is a Tier 2 academic intervention program with the goal of providing immediate and targeted intervention for students in grades 1-5 who are not meeting grade level standards in one or more of the key academic areas of reading, writing and math.  Students are selected for the Learning Lab based on school assessments, teacher recommendation, and administrative approval. 

Students attend Learning Lab 1-5 days per week, depending on individual needs, at some point during the school day.  Students spend 25 minutes per session in the lab receiving intensive, one-on-one tutoring and then are returned to the classroom.  As students progress towards the goal of meeting grade level standards, sessions can be reduced or the student can graduate from the program.

Specific curriculum is utilized in the Learning Lab for each area of need, as follows:

Reading: Hooked on Phonics, Lexia Reading, California Treasures Skill Based Leveled Readers

Math: Touch Math                         

Writing: California Treasures Writing Prompts, Write Time for Kids

The Learning Lab will also incorporate strategies from a proven LMU-driven program, The Bookworm Project, specifically targeting literacy.  Coordination with Dr. Judith Foy, Professor of Psychology at LMU, for training and assessment will be ongoing.  Students are regularly assessed in the Learning Lab to measure progress, and continue regular, school-wide assessments in their classroom. 

In order to assist the student in every way possible, Learning Lab will also serve as a central point for students and parents to improve academic performance.  The following coordination efforts will occur:

• Students enrolled in the Learning Lab will also be strongly encouraged to participate in the Tiger Tutorial program for additional assistance in completing homework and skills practice. 
• The Learning Lab will work directly with students’ teachers to attain information on overall progress.
• Parental involvement is also a key component of student success.  The Learning Lab will meet with parents of students who participate in the Lab, and will provide take-home materials with instructions on how to further assist their student at home.  Additionally, parents whose children attend Learning Lab can expect regular progress reports.
• Lastly, the Learning Lab will coordinate with the Wonder of Reading “Reading Buddies” program to provide training to readers, and open the opportunity to provide reading intervention to a wider-range of students.