Helping Jacksonville Area Adults Learn to Read
Center for Adult Learning
303 N. Laura Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-2426
Hours
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday
Center for Adult Learning (CAL). CAL services are free and confidential. Students must be 18 or older, read above a second grade level, and speak English.
We evaluate each student to determine his/her needs and reading level. Together the student and tutor make an individual education plan.
With help from instructors, audio and video tapes, and personal computers, students receive instruction in four areas:
Reading
We develop word attack skills, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and spelling.
Math
We help with basic math skills for everyday living such as balancing a checkbook, using a calculator, and unit pricing.
Life Skills
Applying for a job, filling out forms, getting a driver's license, and completing an election ballot are a few examples of necessary life skills taught at CAL.
English as a Second Language
Adults who speak English well enough to communicate with an instructor can improve their pronunciation, reading, verb usage and conversational skills in small groups.
What is Illiteracy?
Illiteracy is the inability to read and write.
Functional illiteracy is the ability to read and write, but at lower levels than the average adult. Lack of such basic skills make it difficult to function in today's world.
You need to read and write to:
Write a check Follow a recipe Use a computer Read a newspaper Use an ATM machine Write a letter to a friend Fill out a job application Find a number in a phone book Read warning labels on medication Read a letter from a child's teacher
What are the Statistics?
According to the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS), more than 150,000 adults in Duval County read below the 5th grade level - nearly 20% of our total population. It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans age 16 or older have significant literacy needs.
Help Someone Read
If you know how to read, you can teach others.
You can be part of the Jacksonville Public Library's literacy efforts. Businesses, organizations, and foundations help fund the program. Volunteers serve as tutors, work in the office, and speak to community groups.
Please call us at 630-2426 and help someone learn to read