Muskoka Literacy Council
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Muskoka Literacy Council
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The tutors at the MLC teach adults requiring educational support, who live in Huntsville as well as, Utterson, Port Sydney, Dwight, Dorset, Baysville and Novar. There are more Literacy Councils in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and South River. At the Muskoka Literacy Council, we teach Writing, Reading Spelling, Math, Computers, Life Skills, Job Preparation Skills all at various levels depending on the needs and goals of the individual student. We are a non-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Adults over the age of 19 whom, for whatever reason, are considered literacy disadvantaged. "Functionally illiterate" is the formal term meaning any person who cannot read and write the English language competently enough to function independently in our society in order to gain employment and take advantage of what the community has to offer. Those without computer skills are considered functionally illiterate in our technology based society. The numbers are staggering – up to 50% nationally and higher in the Muskoka region. Our mandate also covers those students, ages 16 to 19, who have been out of the regular school system for at least one year.
Although we attempt to fill in the gaps the individual missed during formal school training, the Muskoka Literacy council believes in a student centered, individualized learning philosophy. Adults do not have the time to repeat the Grade 2/3/4/5 curriculum and redo all of the grades thereafter. We believe after a lifetime of learning and coping in everyday society, that they have many skills that they may not realize they have. We seek to help them articulate their goals and then help them work towards reaching them. Each student has an individual training plan based on personal goals. Most often adult students prefer to work 1:1 with a tutor but we do offer some small group programs for students with common goals. The Literacy and Basic Skills Program is based on 5 levels – each with specific outcomes in Reading, Writing, Oral Language and Numeracy. A complete list of these basic skills is provided along with the Training Plan. Level 5 is approximately a Grade 9 level in the regular school system.
When an individual comes to the Muskoka Literacy Council, (s)he meets with the Program Coordinator to go through the initial intake/assessment process. This interview is the most important component of the process. It is a fact that most of our students have lived with a lifetime of shame and poor self-esteem so for them to actually walk through our door is a monumental step requiring enormous courage. It is during this initial interview that the student needs to be reassured that indeed the step they have taken was worth it and we will do all that we can to support them in reaching their goals. The student is encouraged through our intake questions to talk about school and medical history, attitudes towards his/her past learning experience, where (s)he sees her/his strengths and weaknesses, interests and hobbies. After the intake, a method of assessment will be decided upon by the Program Coordinator. Assessments, like Training Plans should be suited to the individual student. One size does not fit all. Results of the assessment are then analyzed to determine the entry levels in whatever subject area the individual is interested in improving. Some students will be a Level 2 in Reading, Level 1 in Writing and Level 5 in Math therefore the need for individualized program planning.
The initial assessment will provide information from which to make these important decisions. However, the real evidence becomes truly apparent once the tutor/student relationship is established. From information gleaned from the initial interview, the assessment, and the student’s goals, the Program Coordinator will develop an individual Training Plan for the student which will include a suggested list of resources and a few initial lesson plans. It should be understood that the Training Plan is a work in progress and will change and evolve over time based on goals being met and then revised. It is important that the student understands that s/he is in control of his/her learning and is encouraged to take a proactive role in deciding what s/he needs and wants to learn in order to meet specific goals. The Muskoka Literacy Council has an extensive print library of resources at all 5 levels in various areas of student interest. We also enroll each of our students on the ALPHA ROUTE system to facilitate Internet learning. The Program Coordinator will suggest particular resources as required. Tutors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the resources both print and technological.
The Muskoka Literacy Council offers upgrading in basic skills in math, reading, writing and computers as well as small group programs in Life Skills – money concepts, budgeting, cooking and preliminary job preparation including resume and cover letter writing, time management and preparing for an interview.
The Muskoka Literacy Council believes that a sincere desire to help and an empathetic attitude are the most important criteria in becoming a successful tutor. Teaching strategies and skills can be developed through the training and mentoring processes.
The Muskoka Literacy Council is connected with the Laubach Literacy Council which has been in the adult education field for many years. Teacher’s manuals and student workbooks at all levels are available to be used whether or not the tutor has received Laubach Training. 15 hour Laubach Training sessions are offered several times throughout the year but are not a prerequisite to become a successful tutor. Ongoing tutor training is a part of monthly tutor meetings. Also, a collegial atmosphere is encouraged whereby tutors network and share strategies and information. New tutors are paired with a mentor and are encouraged to connect regularly. The Muskoka Literacy Council understands the apprehension of new tutors and strives to support them as they gain confidence throughout the tutoring process.
The Program Coordinator, your mentor, another tutor and/or the Board of Directors can and will help. Each new tutor will be matched with an experienced mentor. One mentor will be assigned a group of tutors with students of similar goals. The mentoring group will be encouraged to network regularly to discuss successful strategies and to support one another if difficulties arise. Tutor Orientation January 2006
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