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Literacy: Spanning the U.S.     

Dyslexia: Programs help people read at any age

DC Courier News: 12.21.2017 by Sue Tone

At age 34, Jonathan Ogden is finally learning to read. Growing up mostly in Prescott Valley, Ogden dropped out of school midway through seventh grade, frustrated and angry with himself for not being able to learn like most his peers.

“School was difficult and hard. I was in a lot of different programs. I kind of gave up,” he said during a study session with his tutor Kathy Lewis, director of the Adult Literacy Group program through the Prescott Valley Public Library.

This is Ogden’s second time through the adult program, and he is achieving success at last with the newly acquired Susan Barton Reading and Spelling System.

It makes sense, he said.

School districts, too, are finding the systematic, multi-sensory program truly benefits its students with dyslexia. Barton is not the only reading curriculum based on Orton-Gillingham, a structured, sequential and intensive program developed in the 1930s. However, programs influenced by the O-G approach and research appear to offer the best methods for people with dyslexia to learn how to read.  READ MORE >>

Pilot Program Will Help Pittsburgh's Immigrant Population Rebuild Careers In U.S.

WESA FM: 12.22.2017 by Kathleen J Davis

A pilot program to provide skill-building career services to immigrants is launching at seven Pittsburgh organizations. These include resettlement agencies, the Allegheny County Library Association and the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.

@GPLC

@Upwardly_Global

The program, which is free to participants, was designed by Upwardly Global, a national organization that helps skilled immigrants rebuild their professional careers in the U.S. The local groups participating already have immigrant support programs in place, and the online resource will be supplemental.

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Cruz said the platform will teach immigrants valuable skills such as networking in the American market and writing a compelling cover letter for an English-speaking audience.

The pilot will last for a year, during which All for All will send data to Upwardly Global about the success of the program. Upwardly Global will then make a decision about extending the program.  READ MORE >>

@LiteracyKPT

Literacy Council, Kiwanis Club recognize value of volunteers

Times News: 12.22.2017 by Megan Miller

The Literacy Council of Kingsport partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport to recognize volunteers for their commitment to literacy at the annual Literacy Legacy Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation Dinner. The event was held on Thursday, Nov. 2, at The Press Room.

Kiwanis International focuses on serving children of the world with projects that support children in a manner that will positively impact their lives. The Kiwanis Club of Kingsport was chartered in 1924 and celebrates over 90 years of service in Kingsport. In 2001, the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport began the Kiwanis Reading Program to encourage reading in several elementary schools in the Kingsport City School system.

The single greatest indicator of a child’s future success is the literacy level of the parents. More than 36 million American adults struggle to read, write, do math, and use technology above a third grade level. According to ProLiteracy, children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72 percent chance of being at the lowest reading level themselves.

The Literacy Council of Kingsport is honored to recognize volunteers whose commitment to literacy is invaluable. In 2016, volunteers provided over 7,561 hours of service - an estimated value of $182,523.  READ MORE >>

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Literacy Coalition of Howard County a vehicle for adult educational growth

Kokomo Tribune: 12.23.2017 by Cara Ball

When the Literacy Coalition of Howard County first opened, it offered only tutoring for reading.

That was the norm from when the nonprofit organization was established in 1988, until 1995 when a community needs assessment identified other areas in which residents desired to make literacy-based improvements.

Since then, the Literacy Coalition has addressed the needs of many Howard County residents while ensuring their advancement and success in all areas of learning. Whether it’s preparing for the state driver’s exam or the high school equivalency test, the Literacy Coalition has become a tool for adult learners in the area to gain independence in some cases and improve their overall quality of life.

“We all just want to leave this place better than when we got here,” said Literacy Coalition Director Bob Stephenson. “I know certainly the older you get the more you think about that.”  READ MORE >>