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A:
Most of the 500,000 immigrants and refugees who enter
the U.S. each year are illiterate in their own languages.
In addition, as many as 25 million Americans cannot
read or write. There are an estimated 25,000 functionally
illiterate adults in San Luis Obispo County.
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Q:
What is the San Luis
Obispo County Literacy Council?
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A:
It is a non-profit volunteer organization affiliated
with Laubach Literacy International, providing tutoring
in English language skills for adult native English
speakers and speakers of other languages. The Council
coordinates tutoring at learning centers throughout
San Luis Obispo County and provides training workshops
for tutors.
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Q:
What programs are offered
In San Luis Obispo County?
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A:
The San Luis Obispo County Literacy Council offers
an ESL (English as a Second Language) program and
English Literacy program. The ESL program is geared
for persons who understand little or no English and
who must be taught to speak, read, and write English.
The basic Literacy program serves native speakers
of English who have little or no ability to read and
write. A variety of techniques and materials are offered
to meet these learners' needs.
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Q:
Does a tutor need any special background or
training?
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A:
The ability to read and speak English fluently and
clearly and a working knowledge of the language are
all that is required of volunteers entering the program.
Tutor training workshops are provided by the Council
before a volunteer is matched with an adult learner.
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Q:
Should a tutor know a language
other than English?
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A:
Knowledge of a language other than English is not
necessary.
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Q:
What is covered in the workshops?
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A:
The focus of the training is on how to properly use
teaching techniques and materials. Sessions feature
practical suggestions and "hands on" practice. To
satisfactorily complete the workshops, participants
are expected to attend all sessions and complete all
assignments.
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Q:
How are tutoring assignments made?
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A:
The tutor is matched with a student or a small group
of students by a coordinator, taking into account
the needs, desires and location of the student/s and
the tutor.
-
Q:
Where does tutoring
take place?
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A:
Tutoring is conducted at various San Luis Obispo County
learning centers located in churches, adult schools,
libraries and other locations.
-
Q:
How often do tutors meet with their students?
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A:
Tutors usually teach a one and a half hour session
twice a week.
-
Q:
Is a tutor expected
to teach a certain length of time?
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A:
Tutors are asked to make a six month commitment.
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Q:
Who do I contact to volunteer or to get more information?
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A:
Other volunteer opportunities in addition to tutoring
are available. To learn about these or for any information
regarding the Council, call the San Luis Obispo Literacy
Council at 805-541-4219 or 1 -800-459-4219
If
you have any more questions feel free to e-mail The
Literacy Council at literacy@charter.net
