Litreracy Overview | Literacy Volunteer
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM
 

 

ged classroomLiteracy Council Of Crittenden County

Adult Literacy Program, administered through the Adult Education Office at Mid-South Community College, provides free tutoring services for adults aged 18 and older with low literacy skills. Adult learners are taught privately by concerned volunteer tutors using materials specifically designed for adult new readers.

Crittenden County has alarmingly high literacy rates, so the Literacy Council has an ongoing need for dedicated volunteer tutors. Potential tutors are asked to attend a ten-hour Laubach Tutor Training Workshop, which acquaints them with the special needs of adult nonreaders and outlines strategies for teaching basic reading skills to adults.

The Literacy Council of Crittenden County is a member of Arkansas Literacy Councils, Inc. and Laubach Literacy Action.

literacy checkReferring a Student

Many active literacy students first heard about our program through the personal referral of a friend, neighbor, or relative.  If you suspect that someone you know may need assistance with his or her reading skills, please consider the following guidelines as you talk with him or her about the program.



General Guidelines

  • We are happy to talk with you about the potential student, but we will not "cold call" a student without having heard from him or her first.
  • The potential student, or someone acting for that individual, should contact the Literacy Office to set up a first time appointment.
  • The first appointment will take place in the Literacy Office (MSCC North Campus) and will typically last 60-90 minutes.
  • During the first appointment, the staff will gather basic information about the potential student and administer 1-2 reading assessments to determine the candidate's current reading level.
  • Those who qualify for tutoring services will be placed on a waiting list until a tutor becomes available.  He or she may make appointments to come to the literacy office for audio, video, or computer-assisted instruction while waiting to be placed with a tutor.

Sensitivity Issues

Obviously, we must use sensitivity and tact when talking with an adult with poor literacy skills.

  • Many functionally illiterate adults feel isolated; it is important to let them know that there are thousands of adults in Crittenden County who share their reading problems, and husbands are seeking help through the Literacy Council.
  • Try to avoid these phrases: "can't read," "illiterate," and "learn to read."  Instead, try these tactful alternatives: "reading problem," "need help with reading and writing." and "learn to read better."

 

What to Expect From Tutorial Sessions

The potential student should know these things about our tutorial sessions:

    • Classes and books are free.
    • Tutoring is private and is centered around the student's individual needs and goals.
    • The student and his or her tutor will agree upon class times that fit both their schedules.  Most students and tutors meet twice a week for 1-2 hours per session, but this varies from class to class.
    • Classes are held at MSCC or in other easily accessible public locations: business, churches, community buildings, etc.
    • Our staff and volunteers cannot provide transportation.  However, we can usually provide bus passes for students who use the MATA system to get to class.

     

  

 

 
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