A History Built on Service High Performing Schools and a Culture of Expertise Expanding Programs, Space for Students with Special NeedsBusiness Express: Congratulations to LEARN on 50 Years of Educational Cooperation, Innovation, and Service
LEARN – the Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) for eastern Connecticut – continues to grow as the agency marks its golden anniversary. LEARN is expanding its Student Support Services division. The agency is dedicated to increasing programming, services, and professional expertise to support students with special needs, as well as their families.
Founded in 1967, LEARN is celebrating its 50th anniversary year. At its annual Convocation on August 28, 2017, staff reflected on its past, celebrated the present, and a created a shared vision for the future. A commitment to regional cooperation, innovation, and service has been consistent throughout LEARN’s existence.
“LEARN has succeeded for 50 years because of its leadership at the helm, the dedication and stability of our staff, and from the strong local support we have received,” said Robinson, the first LEARN executive director, in his testimonial.
Dr. Virginia Seccombe was LEARN’s second executive director. Her tenure marked LEARN’s transition to its permanent home in Old Lyme. Under her leadership, LEARN was asked by member school districts to support the development of the Regional Multicultural Magnet School, the first magnet school in Connecticut, in 1992. Located in New London, the school is seeking candidacy as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school through their Primary Years Programme.
Since RMMS opened, LEARN has expanded its magnet school offerings in southeastern Connecticut to include The Friendship School in Waterford, which recently expanded to accept prekindergarten and kindergarten students from throughout the state; Dual Language and Arts Magnet Middle School in Waterford for children in grades 6, 7 and 8; and Groton-based Marine Science Magnet High School (MSMHS). MSMHS has been lauded several times as a top performing high school in the state, including accolades from U.S. News and World Report.
LEARN also supports Three Rivers Middle College Magnet School, located at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich. This school offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn significant college credits while achieving a high school diploma.
LEARN supports two magnet schools on the campus of Goodwin College in East Hartford: Riverside Magnet School, a rapidly expanding Reggio Emilia elementary school, and the Connecticut River Academy (CTRA), located in East Hartford. CTRA was recently recognized as a nationally certified magnet school by Magnet Schools of America. In 2016-17, students at the three LEARN high schools earned collectively 3,420 college credits.
Beyond magnet schools, LEARN offers numerous professional development opportunities to districts, as well as special education services, transportation, development, programming for Young Children and Families, and expertise in a number of areas critical to education.
The Student Support Services division offers special education services, related services, and specialized expertise to students and families throughout the region.
LEARN is taking some important steps to enhance its abilities to serve students with special needs and expand regional cooperation. The RESC is in the process of purchasing a property in New London and is renovating the facility to consolidate program delivery. The move will allow LEARN to offer programs in a state-of-the-art, welcoming environment for students with complex needs. It will also house LEARN’s Diagnostic and Wellness Center, supporting students who are in trauma to locate appropriate placements and resources. LEARN expects to open the Ocean Avenue Learning Academy and Center of Excellence in time for the 2018-19 school year.
LEARN continues to provide consultative services, evaluations, and related services to its member districts. To support service delivery expansion, the LEARN Executive Committee appointed two new assistant directors.
“Our program expansion is supported by high quality leaders who have been instrumental in redesigning our outplacement programs, delivery of related services, and development of a diagnostic and wellness center for our region’s students,” said Dr. Howley, LEARN’s executive director. 
