Learning Lab

In an ongoing effort to better assist our students, teachers, and families, PCA employs a learning specialist in the position of Learning Difference Coordinator for students in grades 6-12.   Mrs. Kathy Ferrell, our learning lab instructor, provides our students, faculty and families with professional and proactive assistance.

Students who enroll in the Learning Lab will pay an additional fee for the services provided.  Families with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance to reduce or offset the cost of participating in the program.

Kathy Ferrell grew up in Ft. Worth and attended Abilene Christian University graduating with a degree in Psychology. She then attended The University of North Texas and received her Masters Degree in Special Education. She has been in Education since 1995.  Kathy has been married to Shane for 17 years and they have three children that attend PCA: Blair, Caroline, and Cooper.

The Learning Difference Coordinator will assist in the following ways:

• Facilitate Individualized Learning Plans for students enrolled in the Learning Lab
• Assist students in achieving content mastery in their academic subjects
• Uniquely encourage and assist students in managing their overall and individual coursework
• Encourage students to develop, practice and implement specific skills to assist them in their progression as learners
• Come alongside students to reinforce subject matter, persist in areas of weakness, and utilize organizational and study skills to their advantage
• Explaining directions for tests and assignments
• Serve as a liaison between the student and the classroom teacher
• Advise students on programs and opportunities for additional assistance
• Monitor student’s academic progress
• Share resources and strategies for teachers to utilize in their classrooms
• Communicate with the home and the school

Our goals for students enrolled in the Learning Lab include:

• Provide classroom teachers with greater insight into specific needs of individuals in the program
• Provide students with a quiet small group learning environment to utilize for services approved in their learning plan such as extended time testing, small group testing
• Assist in specific accommodations specifically identified and approved in the student’s learning plan
• Guide students to develop and utilize strategies to assist them individually as learners
• Assist students in reviewing content, planning and completing long-term projects, and accessing technology and other resources

In order to be enrolled students/families will need to take the following steps:

1. Have recent diagnostic testing on file
2. Inform the appropriate Middle or High School Counselor of their desire to have the class added to the student’s schedule by selecting the course in the student’s course request form
3. Sign the enrollment contract with Mrs. Palavicini in the Registrar’s office.