Sunday, June 28, 2020

Literacy – Spanning North America :: Redlands CA :: Indianapolis IN :: London ON :: Evansville IN


Literacy: Spanning North America

Coronavirus Pushes Redlands Literacy Program Online
Redlands Daily Facts: 5.31.2020 by Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coord-A.K. Smiley Library

Before social distancing was required in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, adult learners in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program met weekly with their volunteer tutors at A. K. Smiley Public Library or program-approved learning sites at Clement Middle School, Family Services Association and the Redlands Community Center. The tutor-learner teams worked shoulder-to-shoulder to help the learners improve their reading and writing skills. 

On March 16, the library was closed to the public due to the virus. The literacy program faced the major challenge of finding new ways for tutors to assist learners in meeting their literacy goals, while complying with the governor’s social distancing guidelines. Additionally, the request for literacy assistance grew, as 25% of adult learners were laid off due to the economic downturn.

Tutors and learners have met the social distancing challenge with innovation and creativity by using apps, online computer resources, and phones to meet. In fact, over 50 adult learners continue to meet with their tutors, participate in the family literacy program, use online software independently, and participate in the learner-led book club to improve their literacy skills.

The following are a few of their stories:  READ MORE ➤➤

Readability Consensus
Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 12
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old
(Twelfth graders)

Indy Reads Offering Free High School Equivalency Diploma Classes
Indy Channel: 6.16.2020 by Shakkira Harris

'Indy Reads' announced Tuesday it will be adding free High School Equivalency (HSE) classes to its adult literacy program.

The Indiana HSE is an alternative for earning a high school diploma, which was formerly known as 'GED.'

The Indianapolis book store has offered an abundance of English language classes and workforce training programs for illiterate adults for years.

“It has become clear now, more than ever, that many of our students need to earn a High School Equivalency diploma or HSE diploma,” Indy Reads CEO Ryan King said. “With the economy reopening, the competition for jobs will be fierce. We want to help make sure those that do not have a high school diploma aren’t left behind.”

Over 86,000 Marion County residents show a need for higher literacy levels, according to Indy Reads. And a dramatic increase in unemployment due to the pandemic in the current job market means higher competition for fewer jobs.  READ MORE ➤➤

Readability Consensus
Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 11
Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 15-17 yrs. old
(Tenth to Eleventh graders)

COVID: 19: Learning English Has Become More Challenging During Pandemic Shutdown
London Free Press: 6.17.2020 by Jonathan Juha

Learning a new language is challenging enough.

But for thousands of immigrants in London, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the task that much harder, forcing newcomers, teachers and service providers to reimagine teaching in an age of social distancing and online learning.

“Our priority was always to stay connected with the families, let them know we’re here for them,” said Alma Gordon, principal at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, which has classes in English as a second language for more than 800 students.

“Let’s keep English in their world.”

As classrooms closed amid the virus crisis, educators had to turn to any means available — things like WhatsApp chats or phone calls — to connect with students.

But some of those students lack access to computers or cellphones with internet service or simply lack the knowledge to use those technologies.

“Teachers, they stepped up and they met the students wherever they were,” said Gordon, who has heard students going to coffee shops to get access to Wi-Fi and continue their education.  READ MORE ➤➤

Readability Consensus
Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 12
Reading Level: fairly difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 17-18 yrs. old
(Twelfth graders)

The Literacy Center Launches ‘Read for the People’ Project
44 News: 6.23.2020 by Tyrone Morris

The Literacy Center is asking for community members to help read the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence as part of their new “Read for the People” program.

To take part, all you need is a way to record your voice and a reason to read.  The center is seeking volunteers of all backgrounds record separate parts of each text, to produce a recording of the entire Constitution and Declaration of Independence that highlights the diversity of the United States of America, and the fact that we are all members of the same human species.  READ MORE ➤➤


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