Program Models
Literacy programs in Florida libraries
Innovative programs from libraries around the state provide pathways for patrons to develop the literacy skills they need to meet their goals. Florida libraries support adult literacy and English language learners through collection development, adult programming and direct instruction.
Audience and goals
Literacy programs take many forms based on the needs of the community and the resources of the library. Programs may provide support for learners to meet goals, such as completing a GED, applying for citizenship, applying to college or technical school or seeking job training or certification.
Library programs may serve:
- Adults who want help with reading and writing.
- Patrons whose primary language is not English who want to learn English or improve their English language skills.
- Adults who have left traditional school and want to pursue a high school degree or GED.
Topics
Here are a few examples of instructional focus areas that are common in Florida libraries. Library literacy programs may emphasize one focus or choose a combination of approaches.
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
ABE programs emphasize basic skills such as reading, writing, math and English language competency. These programs may serve both learners who are native English speakers and those whose first, or native, language is not English. - English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
English language learners may require more direct instruction in vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation than native English speakers, especially at the beginning level. Libraries may select books and supporting materials specifically for English language learners. Conversation classes and English exchange meetups are also popular.
- Adult high school and GED preparation
Libraries may offer books, access to online test preparation software and in-person classes for learners studying to take the exams in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies to earn their GED high school equivalency certificate. Libraries may provide support for patrons attending in-person adult high school classes offered by the Florida Department of Education. Libraries may also offer scholarships and support for accredited online adult high school programs administered by a third-party vendor. - US citizenship
Citizenship programs prepare participants for the naturalization exam. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Resource Center (USCIS) provides funding to organizations that prepare immigrants for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history and civics.
Organization
Programs can be designed for self-paced study by patrons, small group discussions such as English conversation classes, instructor-led classes, or volunteer-based one-to-one tutoring programs. Classes may be virtual or in-person. Some programs may combine elements of all of these.
- Independent, self-paced learning
Libraries can support independent learners through collection development and marketing of these collections. Select workbooks, textbooks, leveled readers, e-books and audiobooks, dictionaries, computer software, online services, audio language programs and other materials for learners to use for self-study. - Small group instruction
Small groups allow for social interaction and can provide an opportunity for learners to support each other. Get people to participate in small groups by focusing the group’s work on a specific topic. This may include English conversation, family literacy, health and nutrition, financial literacy, or writing projects. - One-to-one tutoring
One-to-one tutoring allows learners to choose a time that is convenient for their work and family schedules and provides individualized attention. A tutoring program can be staffed by paid professionals or by volunteers. Instructional materials may include teacher manuals and learner placement guides that can help support both new and experienced tutors. Organizations like Florida Literacy Coalition and ProLiteracy offer free or low-cost tutor training. - Classroom instruction
A library literacy program can schedule professional instructors in the library to serve larger numbers of learners. The program might offer English language classes, adult basic literacy skills classes and test preparation for adults seeking high school diplomas. Libraries might hire their own instructors or host classes sponsored by the local Adult Basic Education (ABE) program provided by public schools and community colleges in Florida.
Volunteer tutors
Literacy programs may organize volunteers to provide one-to-one tutoring in basic reading and conversational English.
Volunteer tutors bring a wide range of skills and community connections and may donate hundreds of hours. The personal connection and encouragement from a tutor can help a struggling learner stay committed.
There can be considerable effort in recruiting, training and retaining tutors. Instructional materials with teacher manuals and learner placement guides can help support both new and experienced tutors. Organizations like Florida Literacy Coalition and ProLiteracy offer free or low-cost tutor training.
Library-based adult volunteer literacy programs:
- Select curriculum materials for learner-tutor paired instruction.
- Recruit and train tutors.
- Recruit learners.
- Match tutors to learners.
- Maintain confidential learner/tutor records.
