Why Reading Against the Odds?
Reading Against the Odds was an outgrowth of the need for a
program to supplement the Adult Literacy (AL) curriculum at Literacy Chicago, especially for students who read between the 1st and 5th
grade level. Prior to starting the group, agency-based internal testing showed that the reading scores of these learners had not risen
as expected. Reading Against the Odds was designed to enhance the work done in
the regular AL
classroom by introducing works that were both intellectually stimulating and reflective
of student experiences.
Who is Reading Against the Odds?
A range of students have been involved in the group. While the majority are students in the AL program, we have welcomed ESL students and those working toward their GED's. Some students have been involved with the group since it began and attendance is generally excellent.
One participant
proudly declared: "Every book I read…inspires me to read," while another
noted: "I never did learn how to read -- now I have the opportunity."
Students have found that being able to keep the books after they finish them
fills them pride since they can start and/or build a "library" of
their own.
Where can I get additional information about adult literacy issues?For adult literacy in general please check out:
The Central Illinois Adult Education Service CenterLiteracy Works ChicagoThe National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL)WE LEARN [focuses on women and literacy] ProLiteracy | 