Conversation Classes – “Talk About It…in English”. These classes have been a brilliant addition to our adult literacy arsenal! We are so happy to have multiple classes meeting across the county. Currently, there are 7 groups meeting in 6 locations with more than 50 learners having joined us so far. Where possible, we have encouraged co-facilitators to lead the groups to ensure coverage during vacations and unexpected conflicts. The tutors are truly enjoying this opportunity – no lesson planning or monthly reports, what could be better? They are making great progress.
Citizenship Classes. What a great somewhat new addition to our program! We have had 3 classes so far and the tutor facilitators and learners have done an amazing job. Many learners have gone on to pass the test! We are using the New Readers Press Citizenship series – it has been an excellent multi-media tool - and is well received by both tutors and learners. The current class will soon be done and the next class is scheduled to start in March 2010.
Fast Track Reading System. We are ecstatic that 2 tutors stepped up to the plate and offered to launch our first phonics class for English language learners! The class will start on March 2, 2010 and is scheduled to run 2 nights per week for 13 weeks. This curriculum was developed by the Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) with the support of the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. It focuses on using syllable division and syllable types as a way to strengthen the word attack skills of new readers. Thank you Sharon Jaskula, JPL Center for Adult Learning Coordinator, for sharing this tool with us.
Adult Learner Computer Lab. We have finally had the opportunity to offer a computer lab – facilitated by a lab assistant! Space with computer access has always been an issue and we are thrilled that we have a location that can support the creation of our first computer lab! Rosetta Stone, USA Learns, dvd and cd-rom series, guided learning and self-paced studies are now an option for our learners! Can’t wait to see how it develops.
Tutor Training. We are so very fortunate to have an incredible pool of volunteer tutors and more coming every day! The November graduating class is hard at work and the upcoming January training is nearly full! We are working towards reducing the ‘sit’ time and tapping into more online training options to meet the needs of our diverse volunteers. The next step is creating an interactive online learning component accessible from the adult literacy area of our Library website. Work has begun and I am hopeful that tutors will be able to take advantage of it by Spring 2010!
Professional Development Workshops. We have developed some new topics to be added to our ‘catalogue of training’ for our tutor team. Topics for upcoming face-to-face workshops include: learning disabilities - assessing challenges and developing a plan; working with a beginning ELL – a training on LWE and Oxford Picture Dictionary series; computer skills; goal setting (we thought we successfully covered in the initial training, but…); and learner transition.
Learner and Tutor Mentors. We are excited to be entering the 2nd year of this remarkable component of our adult literacy program. We would not be as successful without the continued support and dedication of our mentors!
I look forward to hearing what you are doing in your adult literacy programs!
Erika L. Greene, Literacy Coordinator
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