Learn About the Marion Literacy Council

Marion County Literacy Council

Karen Hill is the MCLC Executive Director.  This community based volunteer literacy program is located in Ocala, Florida and offers programs for ABE, GED and ESOL.   Funded mostly by United Way and DOE grants they served about 400 students in 2010.  They offer managed enrollment for ESOL students and hold classes of about 12 students  in locations throughout Marion County.  About 50% of their students are ESOL, 30% ABE and 20%GED (Please see descriptions of these programs below). Classes in citizenship, career development and financial literacy are also offered.  This year the council has two VISTA volunteers who are busy recruiting volunteers and running classes.  The big fund raiser for each year is “Kiss the Horse.”

See their excellent web page http://www.marionliteracy.org/               

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

The ABE program helps adults learn to read. We provide tutors who work one-on-one with the student. The student/tutor pair meet at a predetermined public location and work at the students pace. Our tutors make sure all learning levels are accommodated and work toward the students personal goals. These may include learning to read, obtain a drivers license, registering to vote or filling out a job application.

General Education Degree (GED)

The GED program prepares students for the general equivalency exam. Students are paired with a tutor who works with them at their pace in a predetermined public location that is convenient to both the student and the tutor. Students are evaluated upon registration and progress is checked periodically. Upon completion of curriculum, students are evaluated again to ensure success.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

MCLC offers English classes to speakers of other languages (ESOL). We currently serve students from 20 countries who range in ability from basic literacy to advanced grammar and pronunciation.
Our classes are grouped according to ability and are scheduled throughout Marion County at various times of the day. Class size is limited so that students can receive individualized instruction.