[NIFL-4EFF:2479] adult literacy students at a very basic level

From: George Demetrion (george.demetrion@lvgh.org)
Date: Tue Aug 05 2003 - 14:15:01 EDT


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From: "George Demetrion" <george.demetrion@lvgh.org>
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Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:2479] adult literacy students at a very basic level
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I am developing a chart of the skill level of Basic Literacy students at
three levels: (a) very basic-190s range on CASAS), Low intermediate (high
190s-204), Advanced intermediate (200-209 range).  We have very few students
outside of this range.

The following is a draft of what I would convey to new tutors about the very
basic level group.

A few questions:

a)  From your experience, to what extent are the statements below accurate?
b)  What would you add or perhaps take away from this list?
c)  Does anyone have any convincing information that one methodology or one
set of methodologies is more effective than another, including a definition
of effectiveness?
d)  What balance would you recommend between a focus on basic skill
development activities and content development in the various areas that
students have an interest in learning more about?
e)  What would you identify as some possible core goals among students at
such levels--goals that a literacy program could have some impact in helping
students to realize?

Thanks.

George Demetrion
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
george.demetrion@lvgh.org

Here's the list

* Minimal progress on reading ability even after several years.

*  Knows only a few sight words.

*  May know the sounds of consonants, but has difficulty using that
knowledge in figuring out the sounds of words.

* May do reasonably well in simulating reading through the assisted reading
approach, though very little carries over into independent mastery.

* Neither assisted reading approaches or systematic phonics approaches are
particularly effective with this group.

* Some students at this level progress more than others and the more
advanced may move into a second level.

* May benefit from the content of instruction even if reading level remains
minimal.

* Focus slowly and with much repetition on small reading assignments.
Concentrate equally on basic skills and instructional content.



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