Clallam County Literacy Council - Adult Literacy

This page was last updated November 1, 2007

Introduction to Adult Literacy

"Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations."
-Henry David Thoreau
 

The Adult Literacy Committee is focused on improving the reading and writing skills of adults in Clallam County. We hope to improve the literacy of the workforce in practical applications, and encourage the enjoyment of reading in homes and families. We also hope to extend our services to adults for whom English is not their native language. We offer no-cost tutoring, opportunities for volunteers, and various community events to increase and improve the literacy of adults.
 

WHAT IS ADULT LITERACY?

Adult literacy is defined as “an individual's ability to read, write, speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual, and in society." In 2003, the National Adult Literacy Survey found that over 11 MILLION English-speaking adults, in America, could not read or write in English at all! This is about 4% of our adult population and is more than the total population of Washington State!

In addition to this, those who are FUNCTIONALLY illiterate, make up 34 percent of all adult Americans. Those who are functionally illiterate can read and write a little bit, and may be able to perform some basic math, but are counted as illiterate by the standards of today’s information economy.

When combined with the 4% who can not read and write at all, illiteracy affects 38% of our great American population! These are people who can not get ahead in their jobs and lives.

How illiterate is Washington State?

In 1992, in Washington State, 1 and a quarter MILLION people were classified as functionally illiterate. That was about 23% of the population at that time. That proportion continues today, in spite of Seattle being considered one of the most, if not THE most literate city in the country.

From “Dumbing Down: The New Illiteracy – A Challenge to the Body Politic?” by Rodger Doyle, Scientific American, September 2006 and
2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, http://nces.ed.gov/naal/
 

Adult Literacy Monthly Tip

Treat yourself to fifteen minutes of reading a day!

Find a Tutor

The Clallam County Literacy Council offers free private (one-on-one) tutoring for adults, ages 16 and over, who are not currently in school. Sessions take place in a neutral location at a time that is convenient to both you and your tutor. Goals are set by you! One to two hours/week is suggested, but is dependent upon your needs and availability. All of our tutors are volunteers.

Gain CONFIDENCE and additional SKILLS to develop your POTENTIAL!
Call 360-457-3011 and leave a message for tutoring coordinator, Crystal, TODAY!

Subjects include: reading, writing, math, GED preparation, English as a second language, and other “life skills” related to literacy.

Become a Tutor!!

To become a volunteer tutor, all you need is patience, flexibility, a willingness to learn, sensitivity toward your student’s needs, and a sense of humor.

If you would like to become a volunteer tutor, we will provide basic training. Tutors work with their students in a neutral location at a time that is convenient for both student and tutor. We suggest one hour sessions once or twice per week, depending on your student’s need and flexibility.

Lots of great FREE information and courses for tutors are available at the following links: www.google.com/literacy and www.thinkfinity.org.

Crystal Sherman
Clallam County Literacy Council
Adult Tutor Coordinator

You can call Crystal by asking for her at the United Way: 360 457-3011.

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