News and Events

February 2012 News:

New Online Adult Literacy Program

Parrish Medical Center and the Titusville Walmart have provided grants of $1,000 to help us purchase access seats to an online reading program called Reading Horizons. Several of our tutors and directors have also donated money to this project. We appreciate their generosity so much!

Reading Horizons will provide direct/explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, syllabication, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. The program has its own library so adult learners may practice their newly acquired reading skills on the reading level that is comfortable for them while having text that is of interest to them. Since reading skills are sequential, on-going assessments ensure that students master each skill before moving to a new one.

New students will be placed in Reading Horizons so instruction will begin immediately. When a tutor is available at the student's location on a day and at a time that is convenient, the student will begin instruction with the tutor. Until the seat in the online program is needed for a new student, the student may continue in the online program while being tutored.

Students may use any computer with internet services to access the online program. They will be given their own user name and password.

We are excited about this new technology and opportunity for our students. Please mention your appreciation to Parrish Medical Center and Walmart in Titusville for providing these grants to us!

This program does not replace tutors, but it is something we can offer to students until they can be placed with tutors.

We continue to desperately need more tutors!

                 New Appointees to the
                BALV Board of Directors

Frank Smith joined the board in January. He has worked in finances at Lockheed Martin, Boeing Aerospace, and United Space Alliance. Frank's wife Michelle is one of our tutors.

Frank replaced Claire Wurmfeld as the Treasurer of our board in February.

Jeff Thompson, Director of the Merritt Island Library and the North Area libraries, has also been appointed to the BALV Board of Directors. In addition to his valuable expertise in the area of literacy, Jeff will provide a needed link to the library system which provides such excellent study environments for our tutors and students in all areas of the county.

Florida Literacy Coalition's Online Tutor Training

Florida Literacy Coalition and State of Florida have sponsored the development of an online adult literacy tutor training.

While the training is intended to provide the information that new tutors need to be prepared and comfortable in their new role as tutors, any tutor may enroll in the course. In fact, Margie invites experienced tutors to attend and share their knowledge with the new tutors taking the course.

Class size is limited, but Margie will enroll tutors into the class as seats are available and in the order they make their requests.
Margie facilitates the course for our BALV tutors.