Do you Know the Face?
Mrs. Tolliver
December 06, 2007
Do you know the face of illiteracy?
A lack of functional literacy is an enormous problem in the United States. It affects families and individuals from pre-schoolers to the elderly. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education encourages AEL Programs in Missouri to establish supplementary literacy programs. Students eligible for these programs must be reading at or below a grade equivalency level of 5.9. In the University City Literacy Program, trained tutors are paired with students by the Literacy Coordinator to work on improving the student’s reading abilities. Some students come with the definite goal of improving their basic skills in order to work for their GED. Students range in age from early twenties to retirement age and beyond.
What can I do to help?
Without realizing it, you may already know an adult who cannot read. Non-literate adults are often very adept at concealing their lack of reading skills. If someone you know regularly "forgets" his or her glasses, or never "has time" to fill out a form or to read instructions, it is possible that this person is unable to read. Help him or her acquire literacy by offering them the information to get help. Be sensitive and understanding that he or she may be embarrassed and self-conscious, or may even deny having a reading problem. Do not make any quick assessments or judgments. Offer them the contact information or make it accessible to them.
How can a person enroll?
Individuals interested in joining must complete a one-on-one orientation and a TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Reading Assessment test. Once completed, the coordinator will then be able to know what their levels is and match him or her with a tutor to begin working on improving their skills. Tutoring sessions are held at various sites throughout the University City community in particular at the Holy Communion Episcopal Church or at the main AEL site.
If you are interested or know of someone who could benefit from this program, please call (314)290-4052 to make an appointment to complete testing.
