Meeting Limited Literacy Needs

More than one-third of students waiting to receive a tutor at CMC have little to no literacy in their native language.     Recently, CMC has seen a large increase in adults with limited first language literacy seeking educational assistance, a group that faces distinct challenges in acquiring English communication skills. Many of these students come from Burundi and Guatemala, but limited literacy students come to us from all over the world. Access to education is something many Americans take for granted, but war and poverty, among other factors, prevent many people from pursuing education in their home countries. In addition, marginalized ethnic groups and women may not have been permitted to attend school due to cultural beliefs and rules.

Students with limited first language literacy must begin from a very different starting point than traditional English as a Second Language students. These students begin by learning the English alphabet, and slowly learn how letters make sounds and form words. The focus of these lessons is on how to improve communication skills, not how to perfect one’s grammar. While progress is slow, these students are able to acquire English literacy skills. Recently, after many months of practicing how to clearly write their personal information, a group of limited literacy students completed application forms for their very first library cards!

If you are interested in tutoring students at this level, please contact the Education program at (319) 731-0444 and consider attending the tutor training on April 7 that will further address how to work students who have limited first language literacy.