My name is Lisa Blattenberger, and I’m excited to support the students, parents, and faculty as the Learning Center Director. With 35 years of experience in various roles and educational settings, I am well-equipped to meet the diverse learning needs of all students at Phil Mont. I began my career in Fort Worth, Texas, at the bottom of the ladder, teaching Kindergarten. Since then, I have taught most of the elementary grades at least once. I’ve been an Elementary Principal, educational therapist, and worked with high school students on executive function skills. Most recently, I worked with students with significant reading struggles.
The Learning Center’s purpose is to assist students who are experiencing challenges in meeting the demands of their schoolwork. It accomplishes this through three main avenues: reading remediation, math remediation, and general classroom support. Parents pay a fee for services based on the level of support needed and the amount of time allocated for instruction.
Specific, targeted reading remediation for elementary and middle school students:
Reading remediation services are provided mainly using Wilson Academy materials. These materials are “rooted in scientific research into how children learn to read. Our evidence-based approach integrates the five critical components of literacy – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – to ensure students learn to read and spell.” Other evidence-based materials are used as necessary. Services may be provided individually or in groups, depending on the student’s needs and the availability of scheduling.
Math remediation for elementary and middle school students:
Math remediation will focus on classroom skills currently being taught, utilizing manipulatives to reinforce understanding. The Learning Center staff will address gaps in foundational knowledge as they appear during the current lessons. Automatic recall of basic math facts will be practiced and reinforced.
General classroom support for middle and high School:
The Learning Center staff regularly communicates with the classroom teachers. Staff members utilize Canvas, Phil-Mont’s learning management system used in middle and high school, to track what assignments a student has due, as well as any long-term projects and tests.
- Staff answer student questions, check for comprehension, re-teach or review where necessary, and generally help students to complete their assignments.
- Staff reinforce and assist the students in utilizing the organizational structure required by the classroom teacher. Organizational and executive function skills are taught and modeled.
- Staff monitor student grades and provide guidance to facilitate improvement as needed.
For more information, contact Lisa Blattenberger at lblattenberger@phil-mont.com or (215) 233-0782, ext. 405.