Escondido Library - Escondido literacy program helps people reach goals

Escondido literacy program helps people reach goalsNorth County Times: 6.06.07 By: Paul Eakins

ESCONDIDO -- When Araceli Capilla began taking literacy classes at Escondido Public Library, her goal was to improve the English she had learned in order to become a U.S. citizen after moving here from Mexico.

But three years later, Capilla, 45, has been inspired to go beyond simply speaking better.

The library's literacy program, in which Capilla and many other Escondido residents get one-on-one help from a tutor several days a week, has given her the English the longtime housewife needed to get a job. Eventually, she hopes to become a pharmacy technician, largely thanks to the teaching and inspiration of her tutor.

"She motivated me to set my goals," Capilla said last week. "When I came to this program, my English level was very low. The program's helped me to improve my speaking, reading and writing."

The literacy program began in 1990 and since has expanded its services, facilities and resources, said Josephine Jones, the program's director. Last year, 117 adults were tutored by about 85 volunteers, she said.

Native English speakers use the program to get their General Equivalency Diploma, or GED, or to improve basic skills they didn't fully acquire in their schooling.

"We started out as a literacy program for native English speakers who somehow had fallen through the cracks," Jones said at her office last week.

About four years ago, the library at 239 S. Kalmia opened a learning annex for the literacy program next door in a small, single-story building. The annex has a small computer lab, individual tutoring classrooms, and books, games and other learning tools.

Last year, the program expanded its English as a second language program by starting a group night class that meets three days a week. Soon, those classes will expand to two separate classes meeting four days a week, Jones said.

The night English class teacher is David Moskowitz, a retired businessman and Escondido resident, who said many of his students are parents whose children usually speak better English than they do, which can create tension.

"This is important for family dynamics," Moskowitz said. "Number one, they can help their children with schooling, and number two, they can communicate better (in English)."

The library also runs after-school literacy programs at five Escondido schools to give extra help to students who need it.

Funding for the literacy program's $300,000 budget comes from the city of Escondido, the state and grants, Jones said. An annual scrabble competition also raises money for the program, bringing in as much as $17,000 from its sponsors, she said.

Fran Caruso, a retired nurse from San Marcos, has tutored in the program for six years after previously tutoring elementary school students.

Teaching adults has its advantages and its challenges, she and Moskowitz said.

"Not all young children want to learn," Caruso said. "Whereas the adults who come here want to learn."

But the obstacle for adults is to be willing to ask questions and not be ashamed, the tutors said.

"The big step for anyone, ESL (English as a second language) or native speaker, is to come and say that they need help," Moskowitz said.

At the learning annex, Dorothy Black, a 48-year-old Jamaican immigrant, studied math last week from a book several inches thick with her tutor, Marshall Spenser of Vista, in preparation for taking her GED.

After first studying on her own but failing the test, she went to the literacy program for help about 1 1/2 years ago, Black said. Since then, she has passed the writing portion of the test and hopes to soon pass the math portion, she said.

Black's goal is to later become a nursing assistant, she said. She credited tutors such as Spenser, a 57-year-old retired soldier, with helping her achieve her dream.

"He's a blessing," Black said. "He's fun to work with, and whatever he's explaining to me makes it easier to understand."

Hemet Library - Hemet library program teaches adults to read

Hemet library program teaches adults to read
Inland News: June 4, 2007 By Diane Rhodes

About one in five English-speaking adult residents of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley is unable to read or write well enough to function easily in day-to-day living, according to information provided by Hemet Public Library Adult Literacy Services.

Thanks to this program, Kenneth Foster is no longer among them.
"When Kenneth first came to us he was at a very low reading level," explained Lori Eastman, who has been the center's services coordinator for about four years. "Part of the intake process is to discuss roles and goals. It's a way for us to be able to hone in on skills and give information to the tutors."

Foster's training was slow and frustrating at first.
"I had a desire to become a minister and I needed to know how to read," said Foster, of Hemet. "I was able to achieve that goal only because of the literacy center. I am reading before a group of people at church for the first time in my life."

Foster compared the feeling to what most women experience after giving birth to a child. "After all the pain, I have a beautiful thing here," he explained.

Growing up in Alabama, Foster's learning difficulties were not recognized or addressed while he was in school. He eventually dropped out. After marrying young and becoming a father, Foster turned to Job Corps to learn skills that would allow him to support his family. He was taught carpentry and earned his apprenticeship license.

"When I got on a job I worked twice as hard to win the confidence of my employer," said Foster, who added that he became excellent at memorization.
Foster began independent study at the center's computer lab about a month ago, using the newly purchased "Discover Intense Phonics for Yourself."

Eastman explained how the 30-lesson program systematically shows the learner how to build words. It also allows the learner to prove why a word is spelled the way it is. She said the computer program was purchased with proceeds from last September's "Walk-A-Mile for Literacy," which raised about $7,000 for the center.

Foster said he was working on the computer recently when a light bulb finally went off in his head. "I thought of all the skills I'd been struggling with since grammar school," said Foster. "I was so amazed the words were coming to me. It was so awesome."

Eastman said the program uses seeing, hearing and doing to reinforce what learners are taught. "A lot of people don't know what it's like to walk around and not know how to read signs or write down the simplest directions," said Foster.

"And you can't say anything because people tend to avoid you if they know you have a problem."

The Literacy Center at 315 E. Latham Ave. is open Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Information, 951-765-3856.

Burbank Library - Outstanding volunteers honored in Burbank

Outstanding volunteers honored in Burbank
Valley News: 5.18.07 by Bill Grayeb

Since 1963, May has been proclaimed Older Americans Month nationwide, in part to bring attention to problems faced by older citizens, but also to recognize how instumental seniors are in helping solve those problems.

On May 15, seven local residents were honored for their volunteer work within the community.

Six received the city of Burbank's Outstanding Older American Volunteer Service Awards -among them:

Pat Gafford (back row) was honored for her tutoring work with children in the "Ready to Read" Program-Burbank Public Library, and her previous work at the Burbank YMCA, Burbank Chorale and Burbank Heritage Commission.

The Older American Awards is one way we take the time to acknowledge and thank those who give of themselves to help make our communities stronger and a better place for all Americans.

SCLLN PDD Conference 2007

How To Integrate Technology into the Curriculum: May 11, 2007 by EducEdge

The Southern California Library Literacy Network, Inc. organized the SCLLN Professional Development Day in Anaheim, CA.

Workshops on Health Literacy by Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Learn to Use the Wilson Reading System by Marcia Tungate, Integrating Technology into the Curriculum by Sabine Reljic, and A Holistic Approach to Volunteer Management by Cathay Reta were offered to the SCLLN members.

My presentation/workshop addresses some interest in using web-based tools to support reading and writing instruction for low literacy adults. My ppt can be accessed here: How to Integrate Technology into the Curriculum

You are free to use the slides for your own workshop. I am only asking you to properly credit the slides contents to their original author as per the Creative Commons License.

Glendora Library - Glendora Trivia Challenge 2007

Glendora Trivia Challenge
San Gabriel Valley Tribune: March 21, 2007

Will Mike and Marcia Conway's team repeat or will we crown a new champion at the 15th annual Great Trivia Challenge set for March 23 at APU's Upper Turner Campus Center?

About 300 people are expected to watch and see.

This is the 15th year the Glendora Public Library Friends Foundation has held the Great Trivia Challenge.

Local businesses and service clubs have fun competing in a friendly competition. Thom Hill returns as master of ceremonies for the 15th year.

It is a fun event for the community and a wonderful way for the community to give to the Glendora Public Library, said Chris Cravens, Foundation office manager.

Vying for bragging rights as trivia champs are Certified Auto; Glendora Lions Club, last year's second-place winners; Glendora Rotary Club; Kiwanis Club of Glendora; Hughes Homes, Inc.; Glendora Kiwaniannes; Oakdale Memorial Park Mortuary; In-N-Out Burger; Antoine Sayegh, DDS; Littlepage Photography; White House Real Estate; Foundation for Glendora Unified School District; Azusa/Glendora Soroptimists; Heartland Mortgage; Southland Properties; Jan's Towing; Foothill Presbyterian Hospital; and Social Model Recovery Systems.

Teams have to come prepared to answer questions on any category: sports, movies, medicine, science, literature and current events. Judges are Clay Hess, Karen Babineau and Doris Blum.

Tickets are $10 if purchased at the Glendora Library Friends Book Loft or at the checkout desk (during regular library hours) and $12 if purchased at the door.

The ticket includes an extensive food buffet and the trivia challenge event. The food is provided by local restaurants.

Spaghetti Eddie's provides a tear-off coupon for either $7 or $10 on the ticket (which makes the ticket practically free and you get to support the library to boot.)

The goal is to raise $20,000, which will go to support library programs such as the adult literacy program, outreach programs to expectant and teen parents, summer reading clubs for children, teens and adults, author visits, book discussions and other cultural events.

The organizers would like to extend special thanks not only to the hard-working trivia challenge committee but also Spaghetti Eddie's, and all of the restaurants who donated food and all of their sponsors including Athens Services; Suncraft Development; Crestwood Communities; Pacific Western Bank; Monrovia Growers; Rain Bird Corporation; Candlelight Pavilion and Glendora Auto Centre Association.

Special thanks to the committee: Judi Rudd, Debbie Deal, Lynda Siminske, Debbie Schmidt and Pam Richards. These ladies have worked extremely hard to get sponsors, organize the food donors and get door prizes for the event.

For information call (626) 852-4894

Carlsbad Library - Learning program's volunteer tutors help adults learn to read

Learning program's volunteer tutors help adults learn to readSan Diego Union-Tribune: March 15, 2007 by Angela Holman

Sergio Morales struggled while trying to read the word "allergic." It was the first time he had ever seen the word, but he wasn't discouraged.

Volunteer tutor Lee Shamblee asked Morales what sounds the letter "g" can make, enabling him to sound out the correct pronunciation.

A year ago, Morales, 19, wouldn't have been able to accomplish such a task.

"Now he's learned enough that, in many cases, he can spell words he's never seen before," Shamblee said. "When we first started reading, these words would have been out of the question."

Morales and Shamblee, both Carlsbad residents, were paired up six months ago through the Carlsbad City Library Adult Learning Program. They meet for 90 minutes twice a week at the program's headquarters on Carlsbad Village Drive.

The two have developed quite a rapport.

They have created a game whereby every time Morales makes a mistake that he knows he shouldn't have, it costs him $100.

He currently owes Shamblee $4,100.

"I told him, 'If I die, then I will pay,'" Morales said with a laugh.

The pair joke around and share laughs, but they also work on improving Morales' English reading and writing skills.

During their sessions, Shamblee helps Morales complete writing exercises, such as identifying misspelled words and correctly filling in the letters missing from words such as pr--st and gr--se.

Shamblee also gives Morales homework at the end of each meeting.

"I make him work hard," Shamblee said.

"I go home and go to sleep and have nightmares," Morales joked.

Morales said he's now able to read books, which is something he couldn't do before he started working with Shamblee. He just finished a book about Komodo dragons.

"It has been very helpful, because when I was little and I wanted to read to the class, people would make fun of me and I was kind of sad," Morales said. "Since I've been here, I've been able to read more each day."

Morales, who moved to the United States from Mexico when he was 3, said he has always had trouble writing and speaking, both in Spanish and in English. Shamblee explained that Morales has a normal vocabulary but has some processing difficulties.

Before graduating from Carlsbad High School last year, Morales was in one of the school's four special-education classes.

Students in those classes visit the learning center a few days a week to work on their reading and writing skills with their teacher, Judy Gaitan, and volunteer tutors.

Carrie Scott, the learning program's interim coordinator, was the first person to volunteer with the high school program when Gaitan created it in 1998.

Scott said the high school program has grown from one class with seven students and one volunteer tutor to four classes with 34 students and 18 volunteers.

The adult program, established in 1984, has really taken off, Scott said. She said the free program has served more than 1,200 people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

The program currently has 63 learner-volunteer pairs.

"We always need volunteers," Scott said. "At any one time we have between 10 and 20 learners waiting for a volunteer."

She said the pairs work on "plugging the holes" in the learner's education and meeting literacy goals.

"What I've learned is everyone has a different story of why they didn't learn," Scott said. "Some have vision impairments that weren't diagnosed. Some have processing problems. Others are from abusive backgrounds, and life issues prevented them from learning. Some moved constantly."

The program operates on $225,000 it receives from the city each year, as well as a small state grant, Scott said.

"Everyone is here because they are trying to improve their life, either at work or at home," she said.

"Literacy is essential to being able to participate in their lives, their children's lives, their jobs."

Santa Maria Library - The values of reading, writing

The values of reading, writingSanta Maria Times: February 13, 2007

Santa Maria officials have announced a collaborative effort to promote adult literacy. Why is this important?

A good question, with a vast array of good answers. For example:

Fifty million Americans cannot read or comprehend above the eighth-grade level. Existing literacy programs involve fewer than 10 percent of those adults.

U.S. schools have a dropout rate approaching 30 percent, compared to 5 percent in Japan and 2 percent in Russia. Many kids leave school early because they can't read or write as well as their peers. They're embarrassed and retreat into a shell of illiteracy.

The inability to read and write costs U.S. businesses more than $225 billion a year. Nearly two-thirds of prison inmates are illiterate. Almost 90 percent of juvenile offenders are illiterate. Almost half of adults who receive welfare are illiterate. Nearly three-quarters of those who can't or won't hold a job are illiterate.

And here is a compelling reason why literacy is important, at least in this country - as an individual's literacy rate doubles, so does that person's income.

So, in a very real way, literacy has a big payoff and is a worthwhile investment.

The Santa Maria program is a joint effort by the city and the Central Coast Literacy Council, but judging from the data on illiteracy, this should be everyone's concern.

The hope is to create a literacy center at the new library, with a focus on native-born, English-speaking American citizens who, for whatever reason, cannot read and write at even junior high school levels. The Literacy Council is conducting remedial classes, but only eight people are currently enrolled.

This is a project in which you can play a direct role. The council needs volunteers, and two training workshops are being held next month for anyone who is interested. Training is slated for March 17 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the United Way, 1660 S. Broadway. For more information, call 922-9200.

If you can help, please do so. A more literate community will be a better community.