Adult Literacy Project - Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of student is enrolled in the Adult Literacy Project?
  We work with English-speaking adults who read below a fifth grade level.
• Is there a charge for the program?
  Reading lessons are free of charge. The tutors are volunteers and the library provides materials.
• How does an ESOL (English as a Second Language) student fit into the program?
  Although a student may have learned English as a second language, he or she must have adequate conversational skills in order to understand reading instruction.
• Where does a higher-level ESOL student go if he or she is too advanced for our program?
  If a student needs higher-level grammar lessons or wants to perfect his or her pronunciation,
  the student would be better served at an Adult Education site. The Adult Literacy Project has a directory of these locations.
• How does a student get a tutor?
  The student should call the Literacy Office to have a brief telephone interview and to make
  an appointment to determine the proper instructional materials.
• How does a volunteer become qualified?  Does one need to be a teacher to be a tutor?
  A volunteer must take a ten-hour ProLiteracy tutor training workshop to become a certified reading tutor.  No prior experience is necessary.
• How long must a tutor volunteer?
  A volunteer needs to make a nine-month commitment.
• How often must a tutor meet a student?
  The tutor should meet a student for approximately three hours each week.
• Where do tutor/student teams meet?
  Lessons take place in most Palm Beach County Library locations and many cooperative libraries throughout the county.  Adult Literacy Project tutors may reserve study rooms, where available, through the reference departments.
• What program materials are used to teach an adult to read?
  Core instructional materials include the Laubach Way to Reading series, which is a phonics-based program. The books are scripted for the tutor, which makes lesson planning easier. We send the materials through the library’s courier system to the various branches and public libraries.
• How does a volunteer become a tutor?
  A prospective tutor should call the Adult Literacy Project at 649-5500 (West Palm Beach),
  996-3453 (Glades) or 1-888-780-5151 (toll free).  We will be glad to provide additional information about our program and upcoming workshops.

Revised 10/08

Related Pages: Bookmobile - Service for Deaf or Blind Residents - Services for Seniors