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Thursday
March 18, 2010 Since 1922 |
Adult literacy
By David Bloom
Baytown Sun Published July 31, 2008 It is estimated that 20 percent of Texans are illiterate. This means, not only can they not read a newspaper, but also often times have difficulties finding jobs, deciphering street signs or even helping their school-aged children.
Furthermore, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports 30 million Americans are at a “below basic” literacy level. That is, they can possess no more than the most simple and concrete literacy skills.
For 1 in every 5 adults in this country, even reading these statistics is impossible, but Baytown is keeping hope alive.
Since 1986, the Sterling Municipal Library has been making advances on the literacy front. The literacy program is committed to helping adults who read below a fifth grade level to improve their basic literacy and English skills. This, in turn, helps these students become more active members of the community and greatly expands the economic opportunities available to them.
The library relies on help from the community, however, to continue the program’s success and propel it into the future by way of volunteerism.
The Library’s Literacy Program offers one-on-one and small group literacy instruction for adults who read below a 5th grade level, including those for whom English is a second language. Students come to the program with a variety of unique goals like being able to read their mail, help their children with their homework, get a better job, or get their American citizenship. After an initial interview and assessment by a literacy specialist, students are matched with volunteer tutors who have been specially trained to work with adult learners. The students commit to meet with their tutor for two hours each week in the Library’s study rooms at a mutually-agreed upon time. The tutoring sessions are offered free of charge and enable students to work toward their personal goals in a supportive and learner-centered environment.
Volunteering to tutor literacy students at the library does not require previous teaching experience and the flexible time commitment is minimal.
The training is free and the rewards are endless.
If you are interested in joining the Literacy Program’s team of volunteers, Sterling Municipal Library is always looking for people dedicated to making a difference in the community. Tutors must be at least 18 years old, but no prior experience is required. Volunteer tutors must participate in a tutor-training course before they are matched with an adult learner.
The next session will be offered Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning more about the literacy program, how to become a volunteer contact Erin Mehling at 281-427-7331, Ext. 228 or e-mail at emehling(at)sml.lib.tx.us.
— The Baytown Sun
Baytown Sun Published July 31, 2008 It is estimated that 20 percent of Texans are illiterate. This means, not only can they not read a newspaper, but also often times have difficulties finding jobs, deciphering street signs or even helping their school-aged children.
Furthermore, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports 30 million Americans are at a “below basic” literacy level. That is, they can possess no more than the most simple and concrete literacy skills.
For 1 in every 5 adults in this country, even reading these statistics is impossible, but Baytown is keeping hope alive.
Since 1986, the Sterling Municipal Library has been making advances on the literacy front. The literacy program is committed to helping adults who read below a fifth grade level to improve their basic literacy and English skills. This, in turn, helps these students become more active members of the community and greatly expands the economic opportunities available to them.
The library relies on help from the community, however, to continue the program’s success and propel it into the future by way of volunteerism.
The Library’s Literacy Program offers one-on-one and small group literacy instruction for adults who read below a 5th grade level, including those for whom English is a second language. Students come to the program with a variety of unique goals like being able to read their mail, help their children with their homework, get a better job, or get their American citizenship. After an initial interview and assessment by a literacy specialist, students are matched with volunteer tutors who have been specially trained to work with adult learners. The students commit to meet with their tutor for two hours each week in the Library’s study rooms at a mutually-agreed upon time. The tutoring sessions are offered free of charge and enable students to work toward their personal goals in a supportive and learner-centered environment.
Volunteering to tutor literacy students at the library does not require previous teaching experience and the flexible time commitment is minimal.
The training is free and the rewards are endless.
If you are interested in joining the Literacy Program’s team of volunteers, Sterling Municipal Library is always looking for people dedicated to making a difference in the community. Tutors must be at least 18 years old, but no prior experience is required. Volunteer tutors must participate in a tutor-training course before they are matched with an adult learner.
The next session will be offered Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in learning more about the literacy program, how to become a volunteer contact Erin Mehling at 281-427-7331, Ext. 228 or e-mail at emehling(at)sml.lib.tx.us.
— The Baytown Sun