Twenty percent of the State Act 143 grant appropriation is earmarked for tutor training. A portion of this training is carried out by Tutors of Literacy in the Commonwealth, or TLC.
Most volunteer tutors are affiliated with a “literacy council.” These volunteer-based community organizations oversee the training of volunteers, match adult new readers seeking help with the qualified literacy tutors, and provide materials and other resources such as learning space to carry out instruction. Tutor and student meet at a mutually convenient locations and times.
Literacy councils attract the largest percentage of low-level learners in ABLE-funded adult education program areas. Additionally, volunteers are involved in English as a Second Language instruction, Adult Basic Education 6-8 level, and even Adult Secondary Education and GED preparation. This instruction includes not just reading and writing but mathematics at all levels and cross-curriculum learning. Many literacy councils organize small groups of learners and their tutors, based on comparable learning levels, styles, or interests.
ABLE-funded professional development opportunities for volunteer tutors take the form of training sessions provided by TLC. Additional opportunities for volunteer tutor training and support are offered through the regional Professional Development Centers upon request.
Visit the TLC site at http://tlcliteracy.org/ for more information and resources.
