Adult Literacy Services, Sacramento Public Library

Our tutoring program is learner-centered, based on each adult learner's personal, literacy-related goals, such as write an email message, help a child with homework, get a better job, or get a driver license. This is not homework-help type of tutoring. Tutoring is based on longer-term matches of a volunteer tutor working with the same learner over time so that rapport and a deeper understanding of what the learner needs and what works well for them is developed so they can better meet their goals and solidify literacy skills for long-term success.

Sacramento County statistics show that about 23-28% of adults do not read and write well above a 3rd grade level. This includes native English speakers, not just English language learners. Many learners have dyslexia, either undiagnosed or diagnosed, and never received the specialized support they needed to demonstrate their intelligence in an academic setting.

Reading-writing and/or English language instructional materials are provided to assist the learner with skill development, but these should be complemented by additional real-life materials, resources, and other practice activities to help the learner achieve their personal goals. Tutors are not expected to stick to a set curriculum or timeline but instead are encouraged to be creative and learn what works best for their learner, and what motivates their learner.