Several program participants at The Arc of Greater Boone County are now actively participating in a new literacy class. The Arc of Greater Boone County is one of three local agencies awarded a grant earlier this year from the Community Foundation of Boone County targeted toward an initiative to raise literacy levels. Literacy classes offered at The Arc are designed for adults whose literacy skills are currently at the 2nd to 4th grade level. This is the first program known to have been offered for this group in our community. A minimum 6th grade literacy level is thought to be required in order to be functionally literate – able to safely navigate the community, apply for employment, and perform basic daily math skills.
The initial classes are comprised of people who are served by programs at The Arc of Greater Boone County. In the future it is intended that the class will also be open to other individuals from throughout the community. Some of the students who successfully complete the course will be better prepared to participate in GED programs and to seek employment opportunities.
In July, three classes began meeting for one hour per day, three days per week, under the direction of instructor Beth Ridgeway, former special education teacher at Zionsville Community High School. A volunteer from Indy Reads: Boone County, Elise Ipock, assists with instruction.
One of the students, Allen Flack, happily reports that his parents have already noticed improvement in his reading skills. When asked why he elected to enroll in the literacy class, Allen replied, “It helps me to read and write. When I get a job out in the community, I’ll be able to read better.” After being enrolled in the class for several weeks, Allen says that he feels happy, is learning a lot, and really likes his teacher. Allen went on to say how important it is to like your teacher – it makes learning easier.
