If you're ready to take the next step to improve your reading, here are some questions we can answer.

 

Who are we?

Literacy NY-GCR helps adults who want to read, write, do math, or speak English better.

Who are the learners?

They are English speaking adults who are 16 years and older who need help with reading, writing, and/or math, or they are from countries outside the United States and need help with English.

Do I have to pay?

No! The program is free for learners.

You may make a gift to help the program if you would like to do so.

How do I start?

If you want help with reading, you will need to:

• Call our office and make an appointment
• Come to the office for an interview
• Be assessed for reading strengths and needs
• Help create a learning plan
• Help adjust your learning plan as you learn
• Keep appointments (if 2 are missed, another learner may be assigned to the tutor)
• Be willing to do homework
• Stay in contact with your Literacy staff, even after you leave

If you want help with speaking English, you will need to:

• Call our office and make an appointment
• Come to the office for an interview
• Be able to state name, address, telephone number, and age
• Intend on residing permanently in the U.S. (we cannot serve persons or spouses here for temporary research, employment, or educational purposes)
• Be at a beginning to high intermediate level of speaking English
• Be assessed for English language strengths and needs
• Help create a learning plan
• Help adjust a learning plan as you learn
• Keep appointments (if 2 are missed, another learner may be assigned to the tutor)
• Be willing to do homework
• Stay in contact with your Literacy staff, even after you leave

Will I work with one tutor or with other people?

That will depend on what you want to do. We have tutors who can work with you one to one. We also have small groups of learners who work on GED, English, math, and reading.

Who are the tutors?

Tutors must be high school graduates over age 18. They must complete a 21-hour workshop to learn how to be a tutor.

What happens next?

Usually we cannot match tutors and learners right away. We will call you when we have a tutor for you.

You may contact us:

• To see how we're doing finding you a tutor
• If you move
• If there is a new time when you can meet a tutor
• If you decide you do not want a tutor

What is tutoring like?

You and the tutor will decide where and when to meet. We ask you and your tutor to meet for 2-4 hours a week for at least a year. You will meet the tutor in a public place like a library, church, or community center. You should NOT meet in your home or the tutor's home.

Contact the office immediately if anything is unusual or uncomfortable.

You and the tutor can borrow books, tapes, or learner newspapers from our library for your lessons. The tutor will ask you to practice what you've learned between your lessons. The tutor will keep track of your progress.

What if I can't be at a lesson?

Please call the tutor (or the office) if you will not be at your lesson.

What happens if things don't work out?

Not every "partnership" works out perfectly the first time. Please contact the office if things are not going well or you don't feel comfortable with the tutor. We will work with you to find another tutor.

What else can I do in the program?

Literacy New York has a lot to offer!

We have:

• Events for you and your family
• Computer lab
• Field trips - tour your local library or go to a ball game
• Conferences
• Mini-courses - for example, math classes, or classes on how to get your driver's license

We can also refer you to other agencies for more help with math, job counseling, etc.

What if I am not accepted into the program?

The LVR program may not be for everyone. We may feel that our volunteer tutors may not be able to help you. If this happens, we will try to refer you to another program that may be better suited to your needs.

You have the right to appeal if you are not accepted into the program. You must notify the Executive Director within 10 business days that you would like to appeal the decision.

The Executive Director will inform you within 10 days with the final decision.

Other questions? Please contact the office.