Basic Literacy

Basic Literacy students work one-on-one or in small group classes with trained volunteers. Students work on fundamental reading, writing and math skills. Basic tutors might help with anything from computer, to health, to financial literacy. They can serve as liaisons between parents and schools, helping them to understand schoolwork and correspondence from teachers.

Life Literacy

In order to ensure that both adults and children are functional in today's society, the Literacy Council has developed a program to focus on the family. Education must be emphasized as playing an important role in their lives. Parents who are non-literate or have limited English communication skills are less likely to be involved in their children's academic progress, which is crucial to their child's success. Statistics show that literate parents raise healthier and more successful children than those with limited literacy skills.

Job Literacy

Health Literacy

Health Literacy is often understood as an individual's ability to read and understand printed information such as medication labels, health education brochures, and insurance forms. However, Health Literacy includes a much broader set of communication skills and knowledge. Many of students are new to the U.S. health care systems and/or struggle to communicate and understand in health care settings. As important, many of our newcomer students grew up with assumptions about health that are often different from what a US-raised adult might think of as "common sense" (such as: the importance of not sharing prescription medications or that physical strength and fertility are not related). Our Health Literacy projects are busy working to improve our students' communication skills and knowledge related to their health. Our students' desire to both learn English and learn about health, have made health literacy classes very popular.

General Educational Development (GED)

Writing

The writing exam has two parts. Part I is a proofreading and editing test in a multiple-choice format, and Part II is an essay. The GED writing class covers both sections of this test. Students in the writing class are given writing prompts and are required to write an essay each week. The class also covers practice problems for the multiple choice part of the test.

Reading

The reading exam focuses on how well you understand and analyze what you read. The multiple-choice test consists of two nonfiction selections, three prose fiction selections, on poetry selection, and on drama selection. The class presents practice problems over all of the material.

Math

The math exam has both formal mathematical problems and real world situations. The test involves drawings, diagrams, charts, and graphs. You are allowed to use a calculator issued at the test on Part I of the exam. Part II of the exam is completed without the use of a calculator. The content of the math test includes basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions, measurement and data analysis, geometry and algebra. All of these topics are covered in the class with instruction and practice problems.

Science

The science exam tests your ability to understand and interpret science information presented as text or graphics such as maps, charts, graphs, or diagrams. The content area of the science test includes life science, earth and space science, and physical science. The class discusses and reviews practice problems for all science content areas.

Social Studies

The social studies exam tests your ability to understand and use information about social studies. The test includes United States history, world history, civics and government, economics, and geography. The class discusses and reviews practice problems for all social studies content areas.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

An adult's ability to speak and understand English is important if he/she is to participate fully in today's society. ESL students work one-on-one and in small and large group classes with trained volunteers and instructors. These students are foreign-born adults who need help with English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, as well as how become a functional member of our community.

The Literacy Council offers a variety of days, times and locations throughout Bowie & Miller Counties. Our class schedule is designed to meet the needs of our students.

Classes are held Monday through Friday and students progress at their own pace. Students are allowed free use of our computer lab which contains ESL software.

Tutoring Programs

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteer tutoring. The Literacy Council supports a variety of literacy programs throughout Texarkana area. These programs provide one-on-one, small group, and classroom tutoring services for adults, youth, and families. You do not need to have any previous experience to tutor at any of our literacy programs. A love for reading and helping people are good traits to have to be a successful tutor. You must be 18 years of age or older to tutor at most of our literacy programs.

Adult Literacy

Tutor adults one-on-one at your local library. The time commitment is two, 1 hour sessions a week for 3 hours total per week. Most programs like you to commit to tutoring for at least 6 months. The training ranges from 12 - 15 hours depending on the program. Hours and locations are very flexible throughout the county.

Classroom Literacy

Assist in a GED, ESL, or Adult Basic Education class at your local community college. Most community colleges in the Texarkana area offer adult school classes and often need assistants in the classroom. Training, time commitment and available hours vary depending on the class.

Family Literacy

Work with parents and children ages 0 - 5. Help parents improve their literacy and parenting skills to break the cycle of illiteracy. The training, time commitment and available hours vary depending on the program. Many of these programs take place at local elementary schools or libraries.

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