Adult Literacy Programs Make a Difference

Testimonial:
I would like to commend you and your staff for all of their hard work and dedication. I have heard comments from various school staff noting how involved parents have become since they are becoming more comfortable speaking English. Many parents who are attending your classes are now volunteering at school, helping their kids with homework (something they struggled to do before they went to the classes) and participating in more school activities. In addition, one of the teachers who works with the children while the adults are in the English classes noticed "that that the parents are speaking English better and their 3 and 4 year old children are speaking more English and know their colors!"

Just wanted you all to know that your hard work has had a positive impact in many ways. Thanks again for all you do!!

Michelle McLoughlin, LCSW
School Social Worker
Nash Elementary

Adult literacy programs make a difference. After 35 to 45 hours of tutoring, an adult's reading skills can improve by one literacy level

(2.3 grade levels).

As a volunteer tutor, you can be a part of these positive outcomes:

Increase employment rates and wages of adult learners
Increase self-esteem of adult learners (as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale)
Increase involvement in community activities by adult learners
Increase adult learners' involvement in their children's schools

Source: Bingham, Ebert, and Smith, Changes in Learners' Lives One Year After Enrollment in Literacy Programs, University of Tennessee, 1999

Tutoring is important to me. A lady called me to ask if I would go shopping but I said no. I wanted to go to my class. We read Sarah, Plain and Tall, and then we watched the movie. It felt wonderful. I didn't know I could do it. I panic when I read by myself, but the way that we do it reading together I learn more.

Mary, 66, LVT Student

When I first got a tutor, I was fearful to ask questions. Even though I really wanted to learn, I was embarrassed and ashamed. When I did not ask questions, I would go home and beat myself up. Now, I feel more confident and relaxed and closer to my tutor. I feel like I can ask my tutor anything and I can and get an honest answer and good support.

Linda,48, LVT Student