Literacy Volunteers - Cattaraugus County

According to the National Institute for Literacy, in New York State (1998) 24% of adults age 16 and older are functionally illiterate. These people may not be able to:

• fill out a bank deposit or write a check
• read a menu or newspaper
• total items for a purchase
• fill out a job application

In predominately rural Cattaraugus County,

• 16% of the adult populationis functionally illiterate
• 25.5% of adults do not have a high school diploma
• of those, 1/3 have completed only 8 or fewer years of school

Falling behind educationally is a key factor in falling behind economically

The benefits of improved literacy include:

for learners
• get or hold a job
• improve self esteem
• raise personal or family economic position

for employers
• enhanced worker skills
• increase pool of skilled workers

for the community
• increased community involvement
• more productive citizens

LV-CC works with adults age sixteen or older in one to one tutoring situations. Adults reading at or below the fifth grade level are eligible for services.

When a student is referred to or calls Literacy Volunteers, an appointment is scheduled for an interview and assessment. If the student is interested and meets the eligibility requirements, the Learner/Volunteer Coordinator will match the student with a tutor taking into consideration geographic and scheduling needs, as well as interests and personality. Tutors and students decide how often and where they will meet. They are encouraged to meet twice per week in a public location; generally libraries, churches and other community buildings serve as tutoring sites.

Lesson plans are individually designed to meet the specifically stated needs and goals of the learner. Tutors and learners spend a minimum of two hours per week developing basic reading and writing skills, as well as enhanced employment and life skills through techniques such as phonics, sight words, and language experience stories. LV-CC services are provided free of charge to the student.

Individual tutoring is a particularly effective teaching method when working with adults who have been away from the classroom for a period of years, or who have been unsuccessful in group settings, or finally, for those who have adverse feelings toward a school based environment. Additionally, rather than sequential or child-based materials, in a one to one tutoring environment, tutors are able to customize instruction including the use of real life adult materials specifically chosen because of the adult student's stated goals.

For more information, call (716) 372-8627 or email us at olean1@aol.com.

Tutors

Tutors are community volunteers, initially trained in a 18-hour workshop focusing on adult learning. Specific techniques such as phonics, sight words, and language experience stories to build basic reading and writing skills are demonstrated and practiced during training through video, dialogue and other relevant activities.

Most importantly, trainees learn how to design lessons that are individually tailored to the student's expressed situation.

After training, LV-CC staff match tutors with adult learners according to geographic location, availability, interest and personality. Tutors and learners then spend a minimum of two hours per week on skill development. LV-CC staff support the instructional process through monthly contacts with tutors and learners, a collection of low-level/high-interest adult reading materials, and additional tutor training in subjects such as writing, goal- setting, motivation and learning disabilities.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers also fill public relations, i.e. newsletter, press releases, speakers bureau, fund raising, training, clerical and outreach roles. Opportunities exist as Board membership as well.

For more information, call (716) 372-8627 or email us at olean1@aol.com.