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Adult Literacy Center

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signs the Right to Literacy Scroll (left). Literacy supporters gather with the Right to Literacy Scroll in the State Capitol rotunda (center). Drake University President David Maxwell signs the Scroll. Artwork by Candice Hulo-Smith, Drake School of Education Masters student (right). The Right to Literacy Scroll was recently presented to UNESCO. Follow this link for the story.

The Mission

The goal of the Adult Literacy Center is to improve literacy, resulting in enhanced self-esteem, daily living, and life-long learning. Utilizing volunteers, the DUALC improves the quality of adults' lives by helping them learn to read, write and comprehend.

The Adult Literacy Center has been part of the Drake University School of Education since 1976. The Center is staffed by volunteers from the Drake and greater Des Moines communities who are dedicated to literacy and community outreach.

Imagine a life without reading. Literacy Center students have these experiences:

"I know I can learn. I’ve never been given the chance."

"I cannot read street signs or maps. I want to pass a driving test."

"I am not sure if I have read my medicine instructions correctly."

"I wish I could read to my grandchildren."

"I cannot even help my first grader with her homework."

"I read so slow, I get frustrated."

"I just want to be normal at school."

"I was afraid to hold my head up and look people in the eye."

"If I could read and write, I could do anything."

For More Information

Drake University
Adult Literacy Center
School of Education
3206 University Avenue
Des Moines Iowa, IA 50311

Anne Murr, Coordinator
515-271-3982
anne.murr@drake.edu

Changing Lives

The Sponsors

The Literacy Center is supported by:

United Way of Central Iowa
Bankers Trust
Business Woman's Association
Contributions from local individuals and businesses

Advisory Council

Cate Bremer
Kerwin Dobbins
Ted Economos
Marcia Martin
Amanda McReynolds
Jean Larson Mineart
Craig Morkert
Steven Pritchard
Kay Runner
Jill Southworth

The Adult Learners

Persons served by the Literacy Center represent a cross-section of ethnicity and come mainly from lower income brackets. Reading skills range from pre-reading to approximately fourth grade.

Each year, over 100 adults receive literacy services.
Currently, 90 adult students are being tutored. Many others are on a waiting list.
Students are eager to learn so they can improve their job, school, and home responsibilities.
70% of the adult students are employed. They hold jobs that require only basic reading skills.
15% are learning English as a second language.
On average, students remain in the program for 2 years.
Students are asked to pay a $50.00 materials fee. Scholarships are available.

To enroll for tutoring, call 271-3982 to schedule an interview and brief assessment.

Additional References

National Association for Adults with Special Learning Needs:
www.naasln.org
National Coalition for Literacy:
www.national-coalition-literacy.org
Voice for Adult Literacy United to Educate:
www.valueusa.org
Commission on Adult Basic Education:
www.coabe.org
Wilson Reading System:
www.wilsonlanguage.com

The Tutors

All tutors are volunteers who meet for 1 or 2 hours a week in one-to-one sessions at the Adult Literacy Center or in area libraries. They each receive 9 hours of training in multi-sensory, structured teaching of word structure for reading and spelling. Tutors have flexible hours, Mondays through Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements and qualifications to be a tutor include:

learns independently within a given structure
works effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds
communicates respect for others
recognizes and adapts to the needs of the student
continues with student for at least one semester; one year commitment preferred
maintains confidentiality about student
maintains professional conduct at all times
follows the Adult Literacy Center's stated mission, policies and procedures

Volunteer Tutor Application

Download here

"This program has changed my life. I read a lot of manuals and now I can understand them!" His mother stated, "Brian made a cheesecake from scratch with absolutely no help from me! He read and executed every step of the three-part recipe flawlessly."