This is the success story of the Youth Literacy Program student Izzy told by her mother Neomi. Neomi came to the Youth Literacy Program when Izzy was diagnosed with a learning difference at the age of 7.
Youth Literacy improves the academic achievement of children and teens from low-income families who struggle with literacy skills. The project trains tutors who provide free, one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, and spelling. This program serves approximately 50 students per year.
Are you interested in becoming a tutor? Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 15-hour training.
They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service trainings throughout their tutoring commitment. Tutors in this program work with their students twice per week for 50 minutes each session. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.
Youth Literacy tutors receive 15 hours of training in research-based reading instruction, which incorporates phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, spelling & written expression. The training is Orton-Gillingham-based, emphasizing the importance of direct instruction, engaging all the senses in learning, and presenting information in a structured, sequential format targeting the student’s individual needs. Wilson Reading System® materials guide the lesson planning process.
Thanks, Neomi, for sharing Izzy’s youth literacy success story and for encouraging people to volunteer!
