Model 1: On Site One-on-One Tutoring

This can be nonthreatening way of introducing people to literacy in a familiar place. In this model, a tutor works with people at scheduled times or whenever they need help, right in the shelter or drop-in. The tutor can help with writing resumes, filling out forms, reading letters, getting on the computer, or whatever else people need. (See page 36 for information about these "Literacy Moments".) The tutor can also refer people to other education and training programs. The tutor may be a trained volunteer, a drop-in or shelter worker, or an outreach tutor from a literacy program. Drop-in member and shelter residents may also volunteer to provide peer tutoring.

It's important for people to see that the tutor is around and available, but ideally, tutoring should take place in a quiet space that has some privacy. Tutoring times can be posted on a clear language poster and announced in residents' or members' meetings. If possible, the drop-in or shelter should provide paper, pens, pencils, books, dictionaries, word games like Scrabble, simple forms for creating resumes, a computer, a whiteboard, and a small library of low-vocabulary, high-interest books, in the tutoring space.

There are many benefits to this model:

• it brings literacy to where people are
  
  
• it is flexible and informal
  
  
• it helps people to meet their immediate, individual literacy needs
  
  
• through personal contact with a tutor, people who are transient gain an access point for literacy
  
  
• having a positive learning relationship with a tutor may encourage people to return to learning when their lives are more stable.

There are also challenges inherent in this model:

X It may take time for people to trust the tutor, or approach them for help. People may be more likely to seek help from a staff person that they already know. If not, there may be a long start up period in which there seems to be no interest. During this time, the tutor may become frustrated or anxious. Spreading the word about the tutor's availability and flexibility should be extensive and ongoing. People should understand that the tutor is available to work with them on whatever they choose.