Academic Resource Center

The mission of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) is to provide academic support to students with diagnosed learning differences, including those with IEPs and 504 plans, allowing them to become successful learners in the Serra community. This support helps students become self-advocates, guiding them to identify and apply the accommodations that best support their success at Serra while equipping them with tools they can carry forward into college.

Several programs are in place under the guidance of Gayle Rosenberg, a board-certified educational therapist and Serra’s full-time ARC director. Three full-time ARC associates also work closely with students in the resource center. Rosenberg and her staff aid other faculty members in teaching and implementing accommodations for students who are ARC members.

Resource Center Accommodations

The Academic Resource Center provides a comprehensive range of accommodations and support services designed to help students with learning differences succeed academically and develop independence.

Extended Time Tests

Students who have been identified as having learning differences are entitled to extended time on tests. This accommodation supports students in demonstrating their knowledge effectively.

The faculty is provided with an up-to-date list of all students who qualify for this accommodation; however, it is up to the student to ask the teacher for the extended time.
Mrs. Rosenberg works with students and teachers to aid in this process.
Other suitable accommodations may include oral testing or dictating test answers to a proctor, who records them.

Academic Counseling

Individual academic counseling is available to support students in developing effective learning strategies. The ARC staff works with students on study skills, reading strategies and self-advocacy skills. Support is tailored to each student’s academic needs.

Team Meetings

ARC members participate in collaborative team meetings to review academic progress and support plans. These meetings encourage student involvement and accountability.

Meetings are held at least once per year and include the student and at least one family member.
Mrs. Rosenberg reviews the student’s learning plan and his use of accommodations.
By eleventh grade, students are encouraged to lead the meeting and advocate for themselves.

ARC Study Hall

ARC members are enrolled in an ARC study hall designed to provided consistent academic support. This structured study hall takes the place of an independent study period in the student’s regular class schedule.

Academic assistance is available for writing assignments, projects, lesson review and exam preparation.
Students have access to accommodations, including extended time on tests and sound-proof pods that facilitate students using talk-to-text technology.
The study hall provides a supportive and focused learning environment.

Access to Online Tools

Students are acquainted with a variety of online educational resources to support their learning. They also have access to audio versions of textbooks, novels and other required reading materials.

Parallel Text

Students Shakespearean classics with parallel text are available in the ARC for students to assist in understanding some required English readings.

Students can read the original text alongside a modern-language paraphrase.
Line-by-line explanations help clarify meaning and themes.
This tool supports deeper engagement with classic literature.

National Testing Accommodations

The ARC assists families in securing testing accommodations for national standardized exams. Guidance is provided throughout the application process.

Support includes College Board exams (PSAT, SAT, AP) and the ACT.
Mrs. Rosenberg helps families navigate required documentation.
The ARC team proctors accommodated SAT and ACT exams at Serra, including support such as a reader.

Working with Faculty

The ARC team assists Serra faculty by providing individual student profiles.

Individual student profiles are typically created when the student enters Serra in ninth grade or the year he transfers into Serra.
Profiles include the student’s strengths and challenges along with practical strategies and accommodation details.
All profiles are securely maintained on a protected server.

Transition to College

The ARC supports students as they prepare to transition from high school to college. Emphasis is placed on independence and self-advocacy.

ARC staff assists with gathering documentation and testing records.
Mrs. Rosenberg and the Serra counselors meet with students to provide information and guidelines about college admissions relative to students with learning differences.

ARC Eligibility and Program Fees

In order to qualify for services, a student must have either a psychoeducational evaluation, an active IEP or a 504 Plan that was written in the last three years, complete with the appropriate diagnosis. There is an additional program fee for students enrolled in the ARC.

Current parents with questions about the ARC?

Email: Gayle Rosenberg

Prospective parents with questions about the ARC:

Email: Admissions

Being a member of the ARC has provided me with a strong sense of self-belief, showing me that anything is possible. Throughout my journey at Serra, Mr. Monnéy and Mrs. Furrer offered support, which has empowered me to advocate for myself. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities the ARC has given me.

-Cooper Mills '25