Value of Read to Learn program is great

In the Sept. 16, 2008 article "Extraordinary volunteer receives president's award," the name Read to Learn for a Brighter Future was incorrect. The official name of the program is Township High School District 214 Community Education Read to Learn Adult Literacy/Volunteer Program.

The Read to Learn Adult Literacy/Volunteer Program is free, and volunteer-based. Its major goal is to improve the quality of life in the Northwest suburbs by raising the level of literacy among adults.

Volunteers are trained to work one-to-one tutoring adult students with the goal of improving reading abilities and basic skills.

Fifteen classes are conveniently located throughout the Northwest suburbs in schools, libraries and churches, providing greater accessibility for adult learners. Read to Learn operates with an open registration. Adult learners can enroll at any site at any time throughout the semester.

Site supervisors, who are professional adult educators, direct the assessment and evaluation of the adult learners, plan individualized lessons, provide instructional materials and help the tutors implement the lessons with their learners. Each adult learner's reading level is assessed. Goals, interests and needs are identified.

Linda Cesario is just one of many outstanding tutors that volunteer for the Read to Learn Program. The total unduplicated number of volunteer tutors trained for the Read to Learn Program since July 1, 1986 is 4,869.

The total unduplicated number of adult learners enrolled in Read to Learn since July 1, 1986 is 8,904.

Volunteer tutor training takes place twice a year, in early September and late January. We recently completed tutor training for fall semester.

Sixty-three new tutors were trained and will begin tutoring at our one-to-one sites. If you would like information on how to become a Read to Learn volunteer tutor, please call (847) 718-7724.

Lesley Goldberg

Program Coordinator