Literacy – Spanning the US :: Midland MI :: Yankton SD :: Indian River Co FL

Legacy Center honors tutors

Midland Daily News: 5.17.2015 by Bella Lindauer

Dedication. Time. Passion.

These three things are only a few of the attributes used to describe the 154 tutors that volunteer for the literacy and education programs with the Legacy Center for Community Success.

The Legacy Center is an organization that provides evidence-based learning and developmental strategies, while collaborating with other organizations in the area, to help individuals reach their full potential.

Its literacy program provides free and confidential tutoring in reading, spelling, math and English as a Second Language so that people of all ages can read their full potential.

The Adult Basic Education program helps individuals wanting to improve their reading, writing and math skills so they can meet the daily challenges of life and live life to the fullest.

In both programs, learners are matched with tutors who work with them one on one, at their own pace. All tutors volunteer their time with these programs for a minimum of two hours per week.

Last week at Trinity Lutheran Church, volunteers and staff gathered to share dinner, stories and words of appreciation.  READ MORE @

Literacy Council

YALC Open House Set For Thursday

Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan: 5.15.2017

Yankton Area Literacy Council is holding an open house at the Yankton Community Library, 515 Walnut St, Yankton from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, May 18, to introduce Executive Director Rebecca Schoenfelder to donors, tutors, students and any other interested individuals within the tri-county area (Bon Homme, Clay and Yankton) served by the YALC.

Schoenfelder received her degree in Business Administration from USD in 2009 and her MBA from National American University in 2013. While she was getting her education, she was also working for Avera. She has filled a number of positions there and is currently Employee Support Specialist She works closely with HR at the hospital while she fills that role at the senior services campus. Due to her flexible hours and technology, Schoenfelder is doing amazing work during her first month at this part-time job.

The YALC has been without a coordinator since SouthEast Job Link closed in April 2016, but the board of directors has been very busy reorganizing the goals and implementing new programs to reach those goals. The “Math is Fun!” pilot program at Stewart School was started in the fall and will be offered at other schools. The new “Read to Me” program was started in February at the banquet on Tuesday evenings and it will soon be extended to other locations.

Plans are being made currently for other programs in literacy in conjunction with other groups.  READ MORE @

@veroliteracy

From Under Employed to Restaurant Manager

ProLiteracy Blog: 5.16.2017 by Ben Davis – Student Stories

"My daughter saw me reading, and she wanted to do the same thing."

Flor, who read at a second-grade level, was working in a low-wage job in a packing house and was unable to help her struggling daughter in school. After seeking out literacy help at Literary Services of Indian River County she was able to get a job as a restaurant manager and—most importantly—was able to help her daughter earn advanced placement in her middle school classes. Flor shares her story in her own words:

I am a 34-year-old married mother of a 12-year-old daughter and expecting my second daughter in 2 months.

I have lived in Fellsmere, Florida, all my life. I graduated high school, but my reading was about second grade.

The reason I went back to school is my daughter. One day, my daughter's teachers called me. She said that my daughter needed help with reading. I knew I couldn't read well, so I started to look for help. A friend told me about Literacy Services. Then I went to ask for help.

When I started with my tutor, I was working in a packing house, but I wanted out of there and to get a better job. Eight months later, I was able to get work in a pizza restaurant. I was a manager there running the store.

I have taken courses at the community college (to become a) child care aide. I have passed two of the seven tests needed for the certificate.  READ MORE @

Trump’s Budget Proposal Calls for Deep Cuts to Education :: ProLiteracy

Trump’s Budget Proposal Calls for Deep Cuts to Education

ProLiteracy Blog: 5.25.2017 by Michele Bellso

We advocate against these deep cuts that will hurt adult literacy programs and their learners and families.

TAKE ACTION

President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal includes dramatic cuts to adult education funding and the complete elimination of many federal programs that support adult literacy, workforce development, and human services.

The Department of Education is facing an overall cut of $9 billion (13%), including a $95 million cut (16%) to Adult Education and Family Literacy state grants.

The few areas that would see increased funding pertain to school choice, an idea that Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos have touted as a top priority. Under this spending proposal, hundreds of millions of the dollars would go toward charter-school and voucher initiatives, while another $1 billion in grants would encourage states to adopt school-choice policies.

═════════►

It is critical that we advocate against these deep cuts that will hurt adult literacy programs and their learners and families. Please tell Congress not to pass a budget that increases defense spending by $52 billion at the expense of programs that help further the education, health, and employment of Americans.

How can you act? 

Learn about Letters for Literacy and take action now.

Literacy – Spanning the US :: San Diego CA :: Cleveland,Cleveland, OH OH :: Kansas City MO

@SDLiteracy

Sharing the magic of reading

Mission Valley News: 5.12.2017 by Jeff Clemetson

Five questions for the CEO of Mission Valley-based literacy group

Over 500,000 adults in San Diego County have a below-standard level of literacy, according to the San Diego Council on Literacy (SDCOL).

This is why the Mission Valley-based nonprofit group works to “unite the community to support literacy through advocacy, partnerships, resources, and coordination,” according to its mission statement.

SDCOL’s vision is to develop literacy programs with partners throughout the county that are data-driven and produce outcomes that are measurable, lasting and will have an impact on the illiteracy problem in the area.

The council is led by CEO Jose Cruz, who has 32 years of experience working in literacy. In addition to heading SDCOL, he also serves as vice-chair of the board of directors of ProLiteracy, the world’s largest literacy organization, and is past-president of both the National Alliance of Urban Literacy Coalitions and the International Dyslexia Association of San Diego.

Cruz was recognized as Educator of the Year by the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2003; and was a KPBS Local Hero for education in 2007. In 2014, Cruz was given a Latino Champion Award for “Civic Leader of the Year” by the Union-Tribune.  READ MORE @

@seedsofliteracy

Over 20 years, Seeds of Literacy has helped thousands of adults improve their basic skill levels.

Seeds of Literacy: 5.16.2017

Seeds of Literacy has grown since 1997 to serve ever more adult students. Our 20 Year Timeline tracks the meaningful changes and accomplishments of Seeds of Literacy and our students, tutors, and staff.

Seeds of Literacy’s continued growth reaps countless benefits for our tenacious students. With two locations, one each on Cleveland’s east and west sides

registration for new students four times a week

25 class sessions available weekly

and new tutor training sessions every month…

Our accessibility and flexibility have been a central value in our approach to education and a cornerstone of our success.  READ MORE @

@LiteracyKC 

Low literacy among adults in Kansas City is more common than you think

Kansas City Star: 11.27.2016 by Kevin Derohanian, M & C Coor., Literacy KC

A topic that seems to go largely unnoticed and therefore unaddressed is low literacy rates among adults. With an estimated 225,000 adults in the Kansas City metro area labeled as functionally illiterate, or reading below a fifth-grade level, it is important that the community work together to reach out and help these individuals.

Adult literacy is one of those issues that many people will learn about and say, “Oh my, I had no idea this was an issue in my community.” However, it is highly likely that you know someone who is struggling with some form of low literacy; you just may not realize it.

It is such a complex issue because it is a hidden issue for many people. It can be challenging to identify low literacy because of the associated stigma that causes many of these individuals to be ashamed and therefore not make it known that they need help. --Many literate adults don’t naturally look out for illiteracy within the adult community, as they likely learned to read and write at a young age and take these skills for granted. An important part of improving adult literacy rates is increasing awareness that illiteracy exists in the first place.

Local organizations like Literacy KC are working to improve the reading, writing, math and digital skills of adults in the Kansas City metro area who may be struggling. The definition of adult literacy today is different from what it was 30 years ago when Literacy KC began. What originally primarily meant the ability to read and write has expanded to include increased focus on math skills, health and financial literacy, and digital skills. The primary reason for these changes involves the advancements in the skills needed to be a fully integrated member of society.  READ MORE @

National Literacy & Library Events :: June 2017

National Literacy & Library Events :: June 2017

SCLLN

Literacy & Library Events & Conferences

- Local, California and National -

visit

the Southern California Library Literacy Network

for more information

National GLBT Book Month

National Audiobook Month

Jun 01   Library 2.017 Worldwide Virtual Conference Digital Literacy

Jun 09+ Adult Education Research Conference University of Oklahoma

Jun 11+ National History Day Contest University of Maryland

Jun 12+ Health Literacy Leadership Institute Boston MA

Jun 15   Book Summit 2017 Toronto

Jun 15   Why Reading Matters Conference Long Island City NY

Jun 19+ Volunteering & Service Conference Seattle WA

Jun 19   Summer Learning Day

Jun 21   Scholastic's Reading Summit Chicago Rosemont IL

Jun 22   ReadingCon Collaborating for Literacy NIU Naperville IL

Jun 22+ American Library Association Chicago IL

Jun 22+ Children’s Literature Assoc Conference Tampa FL

Jun 29   Scholastic Reading Summit Raleigh Durham NC

Jun 29+ National Storytelling Conference Kansas City MO

State Library Associations :: Conferences

African American Book Events

Book Fairs by State Library of Congress

Children’s Book Council Kid Lit Events

College Children’s & Young Adult Literature Conferences Festivals

Everfest Book Festival Calendar

ILA :: Literacy Calendar Worldwide

Storytelling Events

US Book Festivals

Literacy – Spanning the US :: Little Rock AR :: San Diego CA :: San Luis Obispo CA

Volunteers partner with Literacy Action to teach female inmates how to read

THV11: 3.08.2017

In January 2016, volunteers From Westover Hills Presbyterian Church partnered with to provide one-on-one tutoring through the separation glass with the female inmates at the county jail.

@LiteracyAction

One year later, in response to the rising interest in tutoring services, Literacy Action, through volunteer tutors from Westover Hills, now offers literacy classes to 15-20 women once a week in a more traditional classroom at PCRDF.

Beginning this year, Literacy Action will also begin offering its first literacy class for male inmates. There are already 4 students signed up and eager for the opportunity to improve their literacy skills. Sara Drew, Executive Director of Literacy Action, comments, -"Some of the men in this program are veterans, so this gives them a chance not only to voice their war-time experiences, but also an opportunity to improve their employability when they leave the facility."

Meeting in a classroom has given the students more opportunities to interact with their volunteer tutors to receive instruction and to complete group projects. The student population is constantly shifting as women transfer to prison, return home, or enter rehabilitation programs. Yet, these challenges do not deter the students from learning. By working on vocabulary, punctuation and writing, the tutors are able to improve the skills that inmates will carry with them as they move forward in life.

One particular student, one of the youngest in the class at 18, plans to return to college. She wants to make her family proud of her again and improve her life by getting a good job. "We know that recidivism is lowered when we can educate the inmates and give them opportunities to change their lives," said Pulaski County Sheriff Doc Holladay.  WATCH VIDEO 📺

@SDLiteracy

Eat Drink Read - San Diego Council on Literacy

KUSI: 5.13.2017 by Milo Loftin

A signature foodie mainstay, this year's "Eat.Drink.Read. A Culinary Event for Literacy" will challenge chefs to think outside the "book".

"One in five adults in San Diego possess below-basic literacy skills," says Jose Cruz, CEO of SDCOL. "Many of these adults are also parents, and their children become adversely affected by low-level reading skills at home. We work to address this problem through our literacy programs which are funded, in part, through Eat.Drink.Read."  WATCH VIDEO  📺

2017 Tutor Recognition Event

Literacy For Life: 5.11.2017

Thank you to all who attended out Tutor Recognition Event this past Saturday at the Library Community Room! We had a wonderful turnout and enjoyed celebrating the hard work and achievements of our valued tutors! We were also proud to present the Jan Breidenbach Lifetime Achievement Award in loving memory of Henry “Jim” Rooney, a tutor who devoted over a thousand hours of time through his many years with our program. Special thank you to the event chair, Sharaya Olmeda, as well as the other event coordinators, Michael Miller, Val Houdyshell and Judy Scott. We would also like to recognize Faten Bsaili who spoke courageously about her experiences with the program at the event.

Welcome to Literacy Trivia :: Voices For Literacy

Welcome to Literacy Trivia

Barbara Bush Foundation

Voices For Literacy

We know you love to read…but how much do you know about literacy?

Start Literacy Trivia now, and find out!

On the way, you’ll learn more about Voices for Literacy, a group of committed organizations who are leveraging their expertise and resources to ensure that everyone has an opportunity for an education no matter their age.

Our ultimate goal is to have literacy advocates in every corner of the United States — people like you who value reading and will stand up to ensure literacy for all.

Have fun…and then invite your friends to take the challenge too. Together, we can advocate for an America in which everyone has the power to read, write and make their voice heard!

Literacy – Spanning the US :: Brooklyn NY :: Milwaukee WI :: Athens-Limestone Co AL

@NYCCAL

Immigrant, advocate groups rally at Borough Hall to protest proposed education cuts

1,800 Brooklyn students fear $12 million budget cut in de Blasio proposal

Brooklyn Eagle: 5.10.2017 by John Alexander

“Education is a right, budget cuts are wrong,” was shouted from the steps of Borough Hall on Wednesday morning, as students from all across the borough joined elected officials to protest a feared $12 million budget cut in education programs. They lined the steps of Borough Hall holding up signs protesting proposed cuts for English programs that they believe are essential for immigrants to learn the language and find better jobs.

Councilmember and Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca addresses crowd at education budget rally.

According to the New York City Coalition for Adult Literacy (NYCCAL), a collection of nonprofit community-based organizations, libraries and City of New York (CUNY) branches that provide English language and other adult literacy programs, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 2018 Executive Budget contains a $12 million funding cut that will eliminate literacy classes for more than 5,500 students throughout the city, including 1,800 in Brooklyn alone.  READ MORE @

@LiteracyWI

Adult literacy organizations to merge

Milwaukee Business Journal: 5.11.2017 by David Schuyler

The two major adult education services organization in Milwaukee — Literacy Services of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services — have agreed to combine forces in an effort to expand their reach to students and increase job readiness for those in need.

Both organizations’ boards anticipate a final approval of the merger by July 1.

The combination will represent the culmination of the more than six months of financial analysis, strategic planning with board members and other business leaders, and investigation with staff and clients, said Ginger Duiven, executive director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin, who will serve as executive director of the merged organization.

The merged organization will be named Literacy Services of Wiscosnin [sic] Inc.

“We are excited to announce this partnership that we’re confident will greatly enhance our already successful, decades-long efforts,” Duiven said in a press release.

Joining forces should allow the organization to attract more philanthropic and corporate support and operate more efficiently, Duiven said.

“LSW and MALS are two of the strongest local organizations providing adult basic education, including GED and job readiness training.  READ MORE @

Learn To Read

Athens/Limestone

Learn to Read Council gets Dollar General grant

News Courier: 5.12.2017 by Lauren Thornton Tobin

In an effort to boost local literacy efforts, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation again awarded funds to the Learn to Read Council of Athens-Limestone County.

The adult literacy grant will help fund the council's salaries, classroom materials, computer software and supplies.

The adult program is for ages 16 and up, and helps those who have low-level reading skills, use English as a second language and struggle with math.

“We've had some (students) who passed everything on their GED except math,” Andrews said. “We had three math students last year who all passed the test and got their GED after coming here.”

Like the children's program, the adult program features different platforms for students to learn from.

“We have one-on-one instructors if students prefer or if they want a classroom setting, they can work in the computer lab,” Andrews said.

Andrews said she knows it can be intimidating for some adults to ask for reading help, but she emphasized the council's student confidentiality.  READ MORE @