Learn to read! If you're ready to take the next step to improve your reading, here are some common questions we can answer.

Who are we?

Literacy Volunteers of Rochester helps adults who want to read, write, or speak English better.

Who are the students?

They are adults who are 18 years and older and read below an eighth grade level, or they are from countries outside the United States and need help with English.

Do I have to pay?

No! The program is free for students.

You may make a gift to help the program if you would like to do so.

How do I start?

If you come to Literacy Volunteers for help with reading, you will need to attend an intake interview and take an assessment. Then you must attend two, 2-hour sessions called Discover Reading. Once you've completed these sessions, you will be matched with an available tutor.

Please see these details about getting started.

What is Discover Reading?

This is a free workshop and all materials are provided. Discover Reading is held regularly. You must attend both sessions. You will receive a letter with the Discover Reading dates and you will be asked to sign up. You will find Discover Reading to be a small class that is safe and accepting. There are a lot of hands-on, interactive activities. You will build a portfolio to use with the tutor.

How will Discover Reading Help Me?

It will build your confidence as a learner. It will help you to understand how you learn. It will help you learn how to set goals. It will give you the tools and language to communicate your learning strengths to the tutor.

Who are the tutors?

Tutors must be high school graduates over age 18. They must complete a 21-hour workshop to learn how to be a tutor.

What happens next?

Usually we cannot match tutors and students right away. We will call you when we have a tutor for you.

You may contact us:

• To see how we're doing finding you a tutor
• If you move
• If there is a new time when you can meet a tutor
• If you decide you do not want a tutor

What is tutoring like?

You and the tutor will decide where and when to meet. We ask you and your tutor to meet for a total of two hours a week for at least a year. You will meet the tutor in a public place like a library, church, or community center. You should NOT meet in your home or the tutor's home.

Contact the office immediately if anything is unusual or uncomfortable.

You and the tutor can borrow books, tapes, or student newspapers from our library for your lessons. The tutor will ask you to practice what you've learned between your lessons. The tutor will check to see how you are making progress.

What if I can't be at a lesson?

Please call the tutor (or the office) if you will not be at your lesson.

What happens if things don't work out?

Not every "match" works out perfectly the first time. Please contact the office if things are not going well or you don't feel comfortable with the tutor. We will work with you to find another tutor.

What else can I do in the program?

There's more to Literacy Volunteers than tutoring!

We have:

• Events for you and your family
• Computer lab
• Student round tables - a time to share ideas/concerns with one another
• Field trips - tour your local library or go to a ball game
• Conferences
• Mini-courses - for example, math classes, how to get your driver's license

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in is a group tutoring session that takes place every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon here at LVR. The drop-in class works with their instructors to improve their reading and writing skills through class activities, lessons, and periodic field trips.

We can also refer you to other agencies for more help with math, job counseling, etc.

How confidential is this program?

We give the tutor your name, address, phone number, and information related to your learning.

We do not give any information to anyone else without your written permission.

What if I am not accepted into the program?

The LVR program may not be for everyone. We may feel that our volunteer tutors may not be able to help you. If this happens, we will try to refer you to another program that may be better suited to your needs.

You have the right to appeal if you are not accepted into the program. You must notify the Executive Director within 10 business days that you would like to appeal the decision.

The Executive Director will inform you within 10 days with the final decision.

Other questions? Please contact the office.

Safety Policy for Learners

Tutors and learners meet in a public place. A listing of tutoring sites is updated annually by the Student-Services Coordinator. Upon request, insurance certificates can be obtained for tutoring sites wishing to have this information.

Report anything unusual or uncomfortable. If dangerous situations are reported to LVR, staff judgment will be used in notifying authorities. When in doubt, if time permits, staff will contact a Board Officer for guidance.

The agency does not screen for more than reading level and does not train in more than tutoring skills. Therefore, the agency cannot be responsible for the background or the conduct of tutors or learners.