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Show Literacy program makes great strides By SCOTT SIJMMKRILL FARMINGTON The Davis County Library offers a literacy tutoring program to residents interested inter-ested in learning to read and write. Library Assistant Director Pete Giacoma said the program, which was started in September, is providing pro-viding excellent results. The program enlists volunteer tutors from communities throughout the county. Tutors must complete 10 hours of intensive training on tutoring techniques before they are allowed to service clients. "Our people aren't trained to deal with learning disabilities," Giacoma said. "The technique they use is a very lock-step teaching method designed to teach the basics of reading and writing." There is no cost to participants of the program except the price of the teaching workbook. However, interested in-terested parties must meet certain criteria. Participants must be adults and test below a Fifth grade reading level. Tutoring sessions are set up on a one to one basis, and cover four levels of skill development. Once a student has progressed through and completed the fourth level, the sessions are terminated. There are currently 18 volunteer tutors on the program, and there will be a training seminar for new tutors in January. "We want the program to grow slowly so we don't get ahead of ourselves, Giacoma said. Eventual1y we hope to get grant money for the program. ' ' Giacoma said the program focuses on a great deal of positive reinforcement, and, because many 'of the participants are sensitive about their illiteracy, anonymity is a top priority. "People tend to be embarrassed that they can't read and write," he said. "We keep it anonymous. It's easier for them to find us than it is for us to find them." Giacoma commended pupils of the program for meeting one of the hardest challenges facing people, that of self improvement. Residents interested in the program pro-gram as a student or tutor should contact the library serving their area for more information. |