Sunday, January 5, 2014

Literacy - Spanning the U.S. - Visalia CA, Carroll Co MD, Altus OK, Clarksville/Montgomery Co TN

Literacy - Spanning the U.S.

Volunteer of the week: Phil Gladden tutors adults at Read to Succeed
Visalia Times Delta: 01.02.2014 by Teresa Douglass

Phil Gladden decided to volunteer three years ago for a selfish reason, he said.

“It looks good on an application to have volunteer time,” he said.

Since then, he’s tutored a dozen adults, teaching them how to read or work toward passing their General Educational Development Test (GED). He’s one of up to 60 volunteers who provide free one-on-one tutoring at Read to Succeed, an adult literacy center through the Tulare County Library.

More tutors are needed, said Sue Gillison, program director. Nine adults are on a waiting list for tutors. Now is the time to sign up for a one day volunteer training session.

Gladden, 48, tutors three adults three hours a week.

“[Phil] is one of our heroes,” she said. “He doesn’t know how to say no.”  READ MORE !
Adult literacy program to be introduced
Carroll County Times: 1.01.2014 by Jacob deNobel

When Karen Colvin, R.N., M.A. contacted the County Executive’s office earlier this year, she was simply looking for an opportunity to volunteer with a community adult literacy program. The next day she was contacted by Jim Fish, executive director of Baltimore County Public Library.

“Jim said to me, ‘I understand you want to start an adult literacy program,’” Colvin said. “’I told him, ‘No, I want to volunteer for one.’ He said ‘Well, we don’t have one, would you like to start one?’”

Colvin is now managing the “Second Start” adult literacy program for Baltimore County. The group, which she said will consist of between six and eight students and tutors, will meet twice weekly for 10 weeks at the Randallstown Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. They are currently searching for both teachers and students to participate in the course.

Colvin is a retired professor from the University of Baltimore. She said in the past, she volunteered for a literacy program that closed.

“I am fascinated, intrigued and motivated to help those who want to learn to read,” Colvin said. “I know there are a lot of people [who need help]. It’s pervasive.”

Colvin said she anticipates the program will begin Feb. 1.  READ MORE !

Health and literacy education offered
AltusTimes: 01.02.2014

Did you know that in 2011, Oklahoma was the worst state in the nation when it came to dental visits? Or that Oklahoma was also at the bottom of the state line-up when it came to diets that included fruit and vegetables? By the way, in 2011, Oklahoma was the 46th healthiest state when it came to health. In 2012, Oklahoma moved up to 43rd healthiest state. While 43rd is still not good, it is an improvement. Another alarming concern about Oklahoma was included in the most recent National Assessment of Adult Literacy. It estimated 43% of Oklahoma’s adults function with the most basic or below-basic literacy skills of reading simple everyday literacy activities. And for these reasons, the Great Plains Literacy Council wanted to address both health and literacy issues in the new year through Project HELP, which stands for Health, English, & Literacy Partnership. This grant has been made possible through the federal Library Services and Technology Act funding received through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Literacy Services.  READ MORE !


Clarksville Montgomery County Adult Literacy Council and the LEAP Organization collaborate to open Community Learning Resource Center
Clarksville Online: 12.30.2013 by Richard Garrett

The Adult Literacy Council partnered with the Leap Organization to develop a computer lab to aid adults and youth become more computer literate.

“We believe that higher learning in literacy, math, and other basic skills is the key to an individual’s success” commented ALC Executive Director Velma Jo Williams. “The Adult Literacy Council appreciates the LEAP Org., in storing our NetBook Computers in their computer lab and look forward in working together in the fight against illiteracy with the hopes of individuals becoming productive citizens.”

Adult Literacy Council and the Leap Organization have partnered to develop a computer lab for youth and adults.Adult Literacy Council and the Leap Organization have partnered to develop a computer lab for youth and adults.

Since 1985, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Adult Literacy Council has successfully offered free year-round tutorial services to adult learners preparing to take either the GED® Exam/HiSet or simply striving to improve their personal Reading, English, Math, and/or Basic Computer Skills.

Other services offered include the courses in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) and ASVAB Exam Preparation (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Exam).  READ MORE !

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