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Philosophy in a Nutshell
The mission of the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy (LARA) is to
teach academic and life skills to enable learners to make
productive, ongoing changes in their personal lives, in society,
and in public policy.
LARA believes
that individualized instruction provides the best avenue for
meeting the literacy and workplace needs of a diverse adult
population. It also recognizes that concern for individual
needs must be balanced by a commitment to fulfill the
expectations of the various governmental and private agencies
that support LARA's work. LARA attempts to mesh the individual
needs of its clients and the social expectations of its
supporters so that learners can meet state and workplace goals
while fulfilling their personal objectives.
Teachers make an intense effort to engage the learner in the
learning process. They assist learners in establishing
realistic goals and in selecting appropriate materials and
learning strategies. A written record is kept of each learner's
progress, and teacher-learner assessments of that record aid
them both in decision-making. Teachers and learners gain an
understanding of the learner's cognitive, social, job-related,
and affective needs, and accomplishments. Learners occasionally
work together; teachers sometimes conduct small and large group
instruction. The individual's plan of study dictates the type
of instruction that will be used. For English as a second
language students, small group instruction and interaction
within the group are common.
LARA
believes that an informal, warm environment is essential to
welcoming and retaining learners. An open atmosphere is
maintained in the learning labs with learners having freedom of
movement and flexible schedules. Teachers attend to material or
physical problems that might inhibit learning by referring
learners to appropriate agencies. Volunteering is encouraged
and learners often help to care for their environment and to
offer skills and services that benefit the program.
LARA helps individuals of any race, color or creed to achieve
their personal and academic potential. By sending into the
community persons with stronger self-esteem and increased basic
skills, LARA contributes to the community's atmosphere,
structure, and quality of life. LARA believes that by fostering
educational and personal changes within individuals, it can
bring about some changes in the cities, states, and countries in
which the individuals live. By honoring the worth of learners,
trusting in their ability to make positive changes in their
lives, and giving them the opportunity to gain perceived goals,
LARA increases learners' changes for fuller lives and returns
those learners to a community in which they can exercise their
new skills for the benefit of others.
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1100 Elizabeth Street Suite 3, Lafayette, Indiana 47904
Tel: (765) 476-2920 Fax: (765) 476-2923
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LARA Mission