Inside Hamber’s LAC and LA/LS Classes
Photo Credit: Adelaide Guan
Hamber’s Learning Assistance Class (LAC) and Learning Assistance/Life Skills (LA/LS) program are a key part of the VSB’s learning support programs, offering modified education separate from mainstream classes.
LAC runs at individual junior and senior levels, while LA/LS combines junior and senior students. Rather than Dogwood diplomas, LA/LS students are awarded Evergreen certificates, which are based on the completion of individual educational programs.
Both LAC and LA/LS students begin their days with a quiet solo activity and then progress to academic work. The subjects covered each day vary, but throughout the school week, students typically cover most academic subject areas.
In fourth block, LAC students take a course, often an elective, alongside mainstream students. Over the course of his time in the LAC class, Lukas Bartel (12) has gotten the opportunity to take Drama, Art, Photography, and Guitar, among other electives. “I liked the electives classes because some of my friends were there, and it’s [a change] from having the same class for three periods a day,” he said.
In the LA/LS class, individual students have less opportunity to join mainstream classes, but for a few days each week, they participate in PE or Art classes as a group. “My favourite part of the day is going to art class,” LA/LS student Tova Andersson (11) said.
Students also engage in daily physical activity as a part of their routine, which typically involves a walk in Oak Meadows. They have the opportunity to take a break from academic work, and reap the benefits of daily movement and conversation with peers.
Peer counselors get the chance to interact with students and observe and assist the classes. Divya Gill (12), who works in the junior LAC, said that the LAC program is tailored to the unique capabilities of its students.
“They’re able to work at a pace necessary for their needs,” Gill said. “I think sometimes mainstream schooling isn’t as considerate to people’s specific abilities when it comes to doing work in class… but in [LAC] classes they are able to work with their peers in smaller groups.”