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Just what is literacy? Sure, I understand what literary means (as in the literary works of Shakespeare or Poe), but literacy? The National Institute For Literacy defines it as "The ability to read, write and speak in English, and compute and solve problems at levels necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one's goals, and develop one's potential."
Okay, so what is a literacy council? It is an organization that tutors individuals who have failed to attain, for whatever reason, the skills needed to function in everyday life. Most programs work with adults and/or children in small group or one-to-one instruction. In READ's case the program is guided by a Board of Directors as a non-profit organization. These programs are available all over America and in many other countries.
READ (Reading Education ADvancement) is a community based volunteer organization that offers confidential tutoring services at no charge to residents of Hot Spring and Saline Counties in Arkansas. Actually, we turn no one away regardless of their address.
Tutors attend a free 12-hour training workshop to become a tutor. Workshops are offered in an array of different schedules to make them more accessible. A couple of people, a lot of people, specific training for specific needs, we are not picky -- we need you as a volunteer tutor! We try to have lots of fun while learning in the workshop. If you have fun becoming a tutor, you will have fun with your student. Laughter is so important, it is conducive to learning.
A learner (also referred to as a student) enrolls and is assessed for a base reading level and learning style. Once assessed, the learner is matched with a tutor. The match meets for one to two hours per session in a public location once or twice a week.
Every literacy council has many stories of the major influence their program has made in people's lives. Jobs get better, opportunities grow, self-esteem grows and parents can be wonderful examples for their children.
Iif evurything yew red luukt liek thiss yew mite halve uh difikult tiem reeding, tew. Yess, lituresee duz maek uh diffruns in uh pursun's lief!
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