Programs & Services                 

TUTOR TRAINING:

Tutor Workshops 

• SCOLA provides free 16-hour tutor training workshops for volunteer tutors.
• SCOLA trainers are certified by ProLiteracy America and workshops meet ProLiteracy America standards.                                                                      
• To accommodate busy lifestyles, the SCOLA workshop is also available by VHS tape or DVD.

                         CONTACT THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR TO BEGIN THIS TRAINING

Call 346-6203 ext. 15 or

email:  maryann.tolerico@epix.net

tutor In-Services 

During the year, SCOLA provides several In-Services for our volunteer tutors.  An In-Service is an additional opportunity to learn more about teaching adults to read.  In-Services usually last about an hour and a half.  To accommodate everyone’s schedules, an In-Service is offered
 

• Once in the afternoon                usually 1 - 2:30
• And again in the evening            usually 6:30 - 8

 Other Training 

SCOLA also provides various types of literacy-related training throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

How to Reduce the Reading Level of Written Materials 

Speakers:         The Problem of Illiteracy Nationally and in Lackawanna County 

CONTACT THE Executive Director TO DISCUSS THIS OPTION 

Verizon, a along-time and significant supporter of adult literacy, has created and supports Verizon Literacy Campus, which is another resource available to tutors, those thinking of tutoring, or anyone simply interested in more information on adult literacy.  VLC offers free, on-line “courses” that can be completed in 45 minutes to an hour.  Click here to visit site. 

STUDENT INSTRUCTION: 

Types of Programs 

• Literacy

Serving the native-born adult who needed to brush up reading and writing skills, or math skills, or everyday living skills is where SCOLA began in 1979.  This sometimes includes prepping for various tests.  Any adult in Lackawanna County who needs help can participate.  The only conditions are that they 

1. Live in Lackawanna County
2. Must be 16 years of age or older
3. Be out of school.

• ESL (English as a Second Language)

SCOLA meets this dramatically increasing need in Lackawanna County primarily through our Small Group Instruction Program.  ESL students may also be served in our One-to-One Program.  From time to time classroom (10-15 students) instruction is offered.  Students may receive additional instruction using the computer lab or attending special classes offered on-site.

Types of Instruction 

• One-to-One Tutoring

Many SCOLA students learn to read through the One-to-One Tutor/Student Program.  This confidential, personalized and goal-oriented approach to reading has proven successful in meeting the special needs of adult learners.  Due to the dramatic increase in demand for services, this approach is usually limited to Literacy students who may be too self-conscious to participate in a group. 

• Small Group Instruction

These groups consist of three to five students working with one tutor.  This approach has been added to SCOLA's programs in order to address the fact that there is always a waiting list for SCOLA's literacy services.  These groups are usually created for ESL students because it provides more opportunity for interactive speech in English.  Small Group students are grouped according to ability. 

• Computer-Assisted Instruction

To address rising student numbers and the changing times, CAI has been added.  Our 17-seat lab offers the most modern programs for both literacy and ESL students, and may be used alone or in combination with One-to-One or Small Group Instruction.  The Computer Lab Coordinator is available to assist students. 

• Special Classes

This is a new, innovative approach to providing immediate service to the burgeoning ESL population while they wait for a tutor.  These classes are taught each evening, Monday through Thursday, by the Program Specialist. 

The classes run from 6 pm to 7 pm and from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.  They cover a variety of topics of interest and help to the ESL student.  Some are of equal interest and help to Literacy students.  The topics include:·      

Orientation:

• SCOLA Operations
• Area Services Available
• Stress Management
• Computer Skills 101

·        Essential ESL

·        ESL/CIVICS Topic of the Month

·        ESL Creative Conversation

·        ESL Basic Conversation

·        ESL Vocabulary & Pronunciation

·        Idioms

·        Homonyms & Synonyms

         Health Terms

·        Numbers, Time and Number Idioms

·        Math Terms in English

 
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE SPECIAL CLASS SCHEDULE

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