Academic Resource Center

The mission of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) is to provide the support needed to allow all students to become successful learners in the Serra community. This support includes helping students become self-advocates, who discover the accommodations that will aid them in their endeavors at Serra, while developing a “set of tools” to take with them when they go on to college.

Several programs are in place to help students who have been diagnosed with learning differences. Gayle Rosenberg, a board certified educational therapist, is Serra’s full-time director of the ARC. Gina Furrer and André Monnéy, both credentialed teachers, and Guillermo Jimenez, are full-time ARC associates, who also work closely with students in the resource center. In addition to working with students during the school day, Rosenberg and her staff aid the faculty in teaching and making accommodations for students who have learning differences. 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.

Resource Center Accommodations

ARC members participate in at least one team meeting each year, which is attended by the student and at least one family member. Mrs. Rosenberg reviews the student’s individual learning plan and addresses how the student is incorporating accommodations and study strategies into his studies. By the eleventh grade, the student is able to lead the meeting because he has learned how to advocate for himself.

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. Sessions are offered on a drop-in basis or by appointment.

Staff work with students on study skills, reading strategies and self-advocacy.
Support is tailored to each student’s academic needs.

Livescribe Pens

Livescribe pens are available for students to borrow and use for recording lectures in class while taking notes. Students are able to then review their notes while listening to corresponding parts of the lecture and enhance their notes as needed. The Livescribe Desktop allows students to save written notes and corresponding audio as a single PDF file.

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 a family member.
Mrs. Rosenberg reviews the student’s learning plan and use of accommodations.
By 11th 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 provide consistent academic support.This structured study hall takes the place of their independent study period.

Academic assistance is available for writing assignments, projects and exam preparation.
Students have access to accommodations, including extended time on exams.
The study hall provides a supportive and focused learning environment.

DVD Lending Library

A DVD lending library is available in the ARC, which consists of films and documentaries that correspond to specific course content. Included are many classic titles that the students read in their English classes and a wide range of history topics. This accommodation allows the students to familiarize themselves with content prior to reading the material, enabling them to have structure and visual cues in place when they begin to read. In no way does the video take the place of reading. It is designed to be used as an aid.

Parallel Text

Shakespearean classics with parallel text are available in the ARC for students to assist in understanding some required English readings. These resources support comprehension of contemporary language.

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.

Working with Faculty

The Academic Resource Center assists the Junípero Serra High School faculty by providing them with individual student profiles.

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

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.

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.

Students are encouraged to assemble a portfolio outlining their high school accommodations.
Staff assist with gathering documentation and testing records.
The ARC director and the Serra counselors also 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. Learn more about applying.

Current parents with questions about the ARC?

Email: Gayle Rosenberg

Prospective parents with questions about the ATC?

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