Volunteers needed for JALC literacy program; training Sept. 14 and 21

"As a society, we have no problem admitting we aren't good at math," said Pam Collins Du Quoin Family Literacy Coordinator for the John A. Logan Alongi Du Quoin Extension Center. "The same isn't true of reading. It's a hidden problem."

Poor reading does not necessarily indicate lack of intelligence.

"It's usually a processing problem," Collins said. If a student has difficulty processing written material, they fall behind. Those students usually just need more time.

Those who need help learning to read better can get the time and attention they need at the Adult Secondary Education department, which covers a number of programs, including literacy and GED classes.

There are two types of learners- those going through a GED program and those who are 1:1 or community learners not pursuing a GED. Those who need help with English as a Second Language (ESL) also receive tutoring.

There were approximately 200 learners in the last fiscal year in the John A. Logan literacy programs in Carbondale, Carterville, Du Quoin, Herrin, Johnston City, Marion, Murphysboro and West Frankfort.

Volunteers can choose to tutor in any of those communities. If you live in Du Quoin, but work in Carbondale, you can tutor in Carbondale if it is more convenient.

Collins said she asks volunteers to commit to two hours a week. She currently has three regular tutors and three substitutes. Ideally, she'd like to have a total of 10 tutors.

Most of the volunteers work with GED instructors. There are day classes that meet three times a week and night classes that meet twice a week in Du Quoin. Tutors get their curriculum directly from the GED teacher.

Collins supplies the curriculum for 1:1 learners. As part of the initial evaluation, learners take an interest survey. For example, one learner in Du Quoin is interested in learning to read better and to be a better parent. The program is helping her to meet both those goals by using parenting books to learn to read.

The next tutor training will be held on Saturdays, Sept. 14 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The training gives tutors the tools they need to teach someone to read or to improve comprehension. The last tutoring even addressed teaching some math.

Volunteers are not obligated to teach math, but can if they are comfortable doing so.

Anyone interested may contact Collins at (618)542-9210 or pick up an information packet at the Alongi Extension Center in Du Quoin.

Learners should be 17 or older and not in high school. In addition to the interest survey, a reading evaluation is done.

The literacy program is funded through a State Library System grant. There are several factors that indicate the need for literacy programs in a given area, including graduation rates and poverty levels.

The Area Planning Council (APC) reports that over 1,800 adults 16 and older living in Perry County did not complete high school. More than 3,600 adults and children live below the poverty level.

Poor reading skills often limit job opportunities.

Collins recently learned that the funding for the children's programs at Du Quoin City Hall has been approved for next year.