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			Student Experience After a student enrolls, his or her first Learning Zone™ experience is a one-hour diagnostic test given at their local center. This diagnostic is the critical assessment for the student’s Learning Zone experience. Based on research and standards, the diagnostic is designed to assess gaps, if any, in a student’s understanding of six broad concepts critical to an understanding of algebra. A certificated math teacher will make results from this test available to parents and students within 48 hours of the evaluation. A student’s responses to this test form the basis for his or her Personal Learning Plan (PLP). This Personal Learning Plan (PLP) then becomes a student’s individual learning guide as he or she progresses through the Learning Zone. It presents a refined view of the diagnostic test by addressing specific gaps in a student’s algebra mastery, and prescribes one or more algebra modules, within the Learning Zone, to remedy those gaps. Prior to starting any prescribed modules, the student completes a module pre-test that identifies which of the three concepts within a module the student needs to master before moving on to his or her next module. A module post-test measures a student’s mastery of each concept within a module. If mastery is not indicated, a student works on extended or lateral practice materials prior to repeating the post-test. All pre- and post-module test data are entered on the student’s PLP along with recommendations and other assessments by the Learning Zone Center’s professional staff. This information, including attendance, is maintained in a database that can be accessed by both the student and parent by logging on to the Learning Zone Web site or requesting a paper copy at any of our Learning Zone Centers. Our small class size (no more than 20 students) coupled with three trained coaches per one-hour session assures that a trained math coach is always nearby to encourage and guide the student’s progress through his or her PLP. Even the shy student is given individual help because our coaches are trained to circulate, ask insightful questions, and check for mastery before the student completes each concept within every algebra module identified in his or her PLP. Learning Zone Centers are considered a quiet study setting where every student can work without disruption. Our math coaches work with the administrators at our site schools to maintain a serious but friendly Learning Zone environment where identified distractions are not permitted. Our enrollees agree to a set of Learning Zone Center behavior norms and our coaches oversee this agreement. A student who has mastered his or her assigned modules will also have become proficient with the six most commonly misunderstood algebraic concepts that underlie every aspect of undergraduate mathematics. They will have achieved a powerful set of cognitive tools that will increase their confidence and capability within their present and future math classes. Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | This site and its contents copyright WestEd 1995-2007. All rights reserved.