Program opens world of literacy to adults

If you can read this you are probably not one of the 10 to 15 percent of Vernon County residents without basic literary skills. Without knowing how to read the world can be a scary place full of unfamiliar symbols, and daily life can be riddled with the fear of being singled out.

However, there is a place to go, the Adult Education and Literacy program at the Bowman Building.

The Adult Education and Literacy program offer several programs adult literacy classes, GED classes, brushing up on basic skills and English as a Second Language. "There is just a menagerie of anything that an adult can't pick up anywhere else," said course teacher Susan Burns. These classes are state supported and are offered at no cost to the public.

Burns reported that while there are some adults who come in wanting to learn to read there are not a lot. "It's because we don't have a set aside program and probably when you have a set aside program, where you say 'This is an adult literacy program and we are going to meet on Monday from 3-8,' then you are going to have that." These nonreaders are able to get by learning a few sight words and getting help from friends and family.

The primary focus of the adult education classes is the GED program for those who did not graduate from high school the traditional way.

Burns said that the most common reason people come in wanting their GED is to either better the employment position they have or get a better job.

The process is fairly simple. Burns said that first the applicant is given an interview and a placement test to find out the student's level of knowledge and determine what help is needed. "We don't go back over things that they already know. So if they have a mastery achievement level of 80 percent that objective is bypassed and we move on," she said. Essentially, each student is working on an individual course especially for them.

One of the things that Burns finds particularly gratifying about teaching the program is that almost everyone who enrolls truly wants to be there, desires to learn and is more than willing to ask questions. "That's a huge barrier right there, getting over that fear," she said.

However, the biggest benefit is just being able to do some good in the community. "We are able to make a difference in an adults life," said Burns.

For more information on the Adult Education and Literacy programs, contact the Bowman Building at (417) 448-2016.