Our adult literacy program: Helping learners achieve their goals.

In this program, which is free to our adult learners, we train volunteer literacy tutors to work one-on-one with Adult Basic Education (ABE) learners, English as a Second language (ESL) learners, and those trying to get their GED.   Our learners and tutors live and work in 32 communities in western Cook County and in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.  Our learners are adult men and women of all ages, nationalities, economic and social backgrounds. Adult learner-tutor pairs meet once a week for ninety minutes at a mutually convenient time and location, often at a public library.  Instruction is tailored to the needs and desires of each student in order to maximize the potential for literacy development.

Our learners: Neighbors ready to succeed.

Our adult learners perform at the lowest levels of English proficiency.  In order to qualify for our program they must read below a ninth grade level.  Most of our learners read between a second and fifth grade level. Many cannot attend traditional English classes due to their schedule or other personal reasons. We serve three types of learners: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and GED.

Adult Basic Education

Tutors assist adult learners who are proficient in English, but may have difficulty identifying letters or words, reading a menu or sign, filling out a job application or doing simple math. Tutors focus their lessons on improving the learner’s reading, writing, spelling and basic math skills, if desired, in order to help the adult learner function more self-sufficiently.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners

Tutors help adult learners with limited English skills learn to read, write, speak and understand English, so that they can take a more active role in the society.  Learners may or may not be proficient in their native language, but are living in a community in which improving their understanding and usage of English is crucial to their success at home and at work.

General Educational Development (GED) Learners

Many adults have basic reading ability but want to study for a GED certificate.  Tutors work one-on-one with their learner to help them study for the test- focusing on a learners’ specific problem subjects.  LVWCC does not administer the GED test.  We help learners study for the test and show them how to register, but we are not a testing center.

Program details: Identifying our learners’ needs and goals.

Private Tutoring

We begin by using in-depth interviews and extensive learning assessments of each adult learner to determine their learning needs, reading abilities and life goals. The tutor then develops customized lesson plans that are used to guide the instruction. The tutor and learner meet weekly for ninety minutes at a mutually agreed upon time and place- usually a public library in our service area.

ESL Conversation Groups

ESL conversation groups: helping learners improve their conversation skills in a group setting.

Conversation Café- Sat. Mornings 9:30am-11:00am 125 N. Marion Suite 301, Oak Park

LVWCC also offers advanced group instruction through the Conversation Café.  This unique program provides intermediate to higher-level ESL adult learners with a chance to practice conversational English in a fun group environment  The Conversation Café is a true café, complete with coffee and donuts, and it is held at the LVWCC offices each Saturday morning for 90 minutes.  Attended by up to 20 adult learners each week it further demonstrates the creativeness of our program in meeting our adult leaner’s needs. Registration is required.

Conversation Café North-Tues. Evenings 7:30pm-9:00pm Zion Lutheran Church 8600 W. Lawrence Norridge

Group conversation classes are held for beginning to intermediate learners at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zion.  Classes are held once a week for ninety minutes.  Attendees are required to register for attendance.

St Mary of Celle(SMOC) – St. Mary of Celle Church Berwyn

The SMOC project will resume in January and will serve 20-25 students at its center is Berwyn.  The program will run from January through June and will focus explicitly on reading and writing skills for beginning and intermediate ESL students.

What our learners say about the programs …

“I am really happy to say that our sessions really helped me to improve my English skills and I feel more comfortable in my new society. Furthermore, I passed the ESL exams (college) with good scores, and I received the ESL scholarship to continue my education… I would like to thank my tutor for helping me. Actually, she is not only my English tutor; she is my first American friend and my counselor on every thing. Her kind and friendly attitude, her patience and her punctuality are always precious to me.”
—Katayun, River Forest

“In the beginning I faced a lot of difficulties in understanding everything that I was reading.  My tutor is very good and he always helps me.  He became my friend as well.  For five years I have been working on my reading.  Thanks to LVWCC I am able to read better in English."
—Ludek, Elmwood Park

“I want to thank LVWCC for giving me the chance to be a part of its family.  And I want to thank my tutor for helping me to learn English.”
—Enrique, Oak Park