| Recruitment. Volunteer
tutors are needed in all literacy programs. Illiteracy plagues communities
throughout the United States. If you can read, can spare two hours
per week, and have patience, you qualify for training to
become a volunteer tutor. |
For more information or to register
for services, please call Jacquelynn McAnuff at (973) 321-1223 ext. 2322 |
| Twenty-three million
adults in the U.S. are functionally illiterate, unable to read or write
well enough to fill out a job application, pass driver's tests or read simple
directions.
Studies show a direct relationship
between unemployment, low income, homelessness, crime and --- illiteracy;
although functionally illiterate adults can be found in every sector of
society.
U.S. companies spend $30 billion
a year to provide some level of remedial training for their employees.
Close to 1 million New Jersey
adults do not have a high school diploma.
The drop out rate of young people
16 and older continues to climb at an alarming rate.
Many who wish to help find it difficult
to bridge barriers of embarrassment, time or familial responsibilities.
|
More than
150 adults education programs offer help, free of charge, in communities
across the state. All combined they are reaching only 5% of those
in need.
Based on the tremendous need
to help adults learn how to read, the Literacy Tutoring program was started
in 1987, and expanded in 1990. The following programs have been developed:
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One-on-one Tutoring
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ESL
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Family Literacy
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Computer-Assisted literacy
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Tutor Training Programs
The Library, in partnership with
other community-based organizations, developed the Literacy Coalition
of Passaic County as a clearinghouse and network for literacy
providers.
Tutor Training
A five hour tutor training is
offered to each new volunteer tutor by the staff. During the workshop,
new tutors will learn the basic characteristics of adult learning and basic
language tutoring skills. Training sessions are held on the second Saturday
of each month.
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One-on-one Tutoring
gives students instruction on an individual basis. The approach is
student-centered, emphasizing reading as a means, not as an end in itself.
For reading levels 0-5.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
offers small group instruction for all levels of English from beginning
to advanced. Tutors and students arrange both time and place to meet.
Meetings are weekly for two hours.
Family Literacy teaches parents
how to share reading and learning with their children. Sessions will
run in various sites throughout the community of Paterson. This program
is sponsored in part by the Bell/ALA Family Literacy Project.
Math Literacy offers basic math
instruction to both Adult Basic and Family Literacy students. Computer
math instruction is also provided. Meetings are weekly for two hours.
Computer-Assisted Literacy is
designed for level 2-5 readers and ESL students. The program is supported
by an assortment of software aimed at improving math, reading and writing
skills.
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