Tutors and Learners Learn More About Scotopic Sensitivity Together

The final session of any READ/Orange County Tutor Training Workshop is always a good time, with tutors sharing their excitement of using their new skills, certificates being awarded, and congratulations given. READ/Orange County Learner meetings are also a fun time, with learners coming together to learn something new, discussing things related to their tutoring, and feeling a part of the READ/Orange County family.
On December 9th, we had the best of both tutor and learner meetings as the two groups came together to learn more about something that affects many of people in the program, Scotopic Sensitivity. Marcia Tungate shared with the group of 35 how this visual perceptual difficulty is manifested in people, how it can affect their ability to read effectively, and what can be done to help. Everyone present enjoyed the workshop and the new information.

Learner Orientations Build on Past Successes

In January 2006, READ/Orange County implemented the new Learner Orientation program. All new and returning learners are now required to attend an orientation before being assessed. The orientation is designed to help learners decide whether READ/OC is the right place for them. At this time, potential students learn what READ/OC offers, what they can expect from the program, and what is required of all learners. At the end of the Learner Orientation, each learner is given an appointment for an assessment. Learner Support Coordinator, Shenikka Barnes said; "Since implementing the Learner Orientation program, we have significantly reduced the number of no-shows at assessments, had more success with learner and tutor matches, increased learner participation in other aspects of the program, and reduced our list of learners waiting to be matched." Orientations are held twice a month on weekday evenings in North and South County. Currently the orientations are planned, organized and facilitated by Shenikka and READ/OC volunteer Linda Kricfalusi. If you are interested in being trained to become a facilitator or would like to assist with orientations, please contact the office at 714-566-3070.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

READ/OC learners, Rudy B. and Samia D., have been honored by their acceptance to attend the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute for 2007. The Institute offers dynamic training to improve adult learner's skills in the areas of leadership, communications, and advocacy. The day-long training sessions are offered one Saturday a month for six months and will be held at the Corona Public Library.

LEARNER ACHIEVEMENTS

Delores Kimball's learner, J. Z., has completed his time with the READ/OC program. He has registered to take more advanced reading and writing courses at a local community college.
Liz Bujan told us that her learner, R.B., voted for the first time in the November election.
Mary Beth Griffin's learner, G.M, completed Step #2 of the Wilson Learning System.
Nancy Rowe's learner, S. H., finished reading her first book.
Doug Newbry reports that his learner, Ali, got a new job. Ali reached his goal as he worked using the Employment portfolio.
Congratulations to all. Share your learner's successes in your Monthly Report.

MORE READ/OC PROGRAM NEWS

Is your learner having difficulty with spelling? Is your learner having difficulty with hearing the different sounds the letters represent? Do you remember tapping out the sounds for 'squelch' in the Tutor Training Workshop and thinking that more knowledge about this might be helpful? If you've answered yes to any of those questions, get out your calendar and mark these dates for the next Wilson Reading System Training.
The training will be held on two consecutive Saturdays, February 10th and 17th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at READ/Orange County Headquarters. This workshop will teach you how this highly structured system works and how to use it with your learner. If you have any questions about the workshop or the Wilson system, please call the office at (714) 566-3070. An e-mail invitation with additional information will be sent.

Please tell us if you see any newspaper article that is about READ/OC or one that mentions our tutors or learners. You can send the news to READ/Orange County Headquarters via e-mail at readoc, or call (714) 566-3070 to share what you have found.

The place is a-buzzzzzzz! About the Amazing READ/OC Trivia Bee
The Friends of READ/Orange County is hosting the "Amazing READ/OC Trivia Bee" fundraiser on Friday, June 22, 2007 at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. The Sponsors, Facilities, Questions and Answers, Registration and Teams, Prizes/Door Prizes/Silent Auction, and Day of the Event Committees need help now and on the day of the event. Make a beeline and call READ/OC Headquarters to hear how you can get in on this honey of a party. We need your creativity, muscles, contacts, and good wishes. We can't do this without you. We need Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, Worker Bees, all kinds of BEES, but the hive already has a Queen Bee. Call the READ/OC office to find out how you can help.

February 24, 2007
Are you an active listener? Do you struggle with your writing? Would you like to learn more about the workings of the brain? Choose those or similar topics when you join veteran and new tutors and adult learners at the annual Literacy Conference sponsored by Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN). The one-day conference is being held Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Cal State LA, with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.
Past comments from attendees include:
"I enjoyed networking with tutors and learners from around southern California." - Tutor
"The presenters I heard were well-organized and excited. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the day!" - Adult Learner
"Cal-State LA was an excellent venue for the conference. The rooms were conducive to learning and the staff was very helpful." - Tutor
Your registration includes four workshops, continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. READ/OC is a member of SCLLN, so tutors pay just $50; learners are always free. Limited bus space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click on www.sclln.org and register today!

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