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Project Read Plus
Since 1984, Project Read Plus has been committed to improving adult education in the Decatur area. Our mission is to help adults increase their math and reading skills through free, one-on-one tutoring and review.
More than 14,000 adults in Macon County have not earned a high school diploma or a GED. Of these, 3,600 have less than a ninth-grade education.
– Source: Department of Economics and Finance, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (2011).
Students come to Project Read Plus with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We work with adults at all educational levels. For each student, we create personalized study plans so they can learn at their own pace and in ways that fit their needs and goals. Some of these goals include the following:
- Getting a job or increasing career opportunities
- Entering training programs offered by Richland or other community organizations
- Improving math or reading skills to perform better in classes
- Preparing for the GED test
- Qualifying for CNA, LPN, RN and other healthcare programs.
- Scoring high on placement tests like the Accuplacer
As students work towards their goals, they gain confidence in their abilities. Many start our program believing they can’t master reading or math but soon discover that with practice and the right tools, they can. Once they recognize their potential, they’re motivated to explore new opportunities and programs.
About Project Read Plus
Research indicates that students in an adult literacy program need 100 hours of instruction to advance one grade level. -Source: National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy
In less than 40 hours of instruction, Project Read Plus students gain an average of four grade levels.
According to test results, Project Read Plus students’ gains are 10 times greater than national norms.
Our Services
- Assessment: Through an in-depth assessment process, we learn about each student’s background knowledge, skill levels, and unique learning style. Staff members then develop and implement a plan to increase the student’s knowledge and skills.
- One-on-one tutoring: Students work individually with volunteer tutors who are trained in effective tutoring practices. We use brain-based learning techniques and a multisensory approach to help our students master material. Each student/tutor pair meets for a minimum of one hour per week.
- Resources: We provide all materials for tutors and students. Project Read Plus staff members created a reading curriculum that is easy for tutors to use with adults who are beginning readers. Our staff also wrote an adult mathematics curriculum that covers basic math facts to algebra. Our curricula are multi-sensory driven and use evidence-based instruction. In addition, we have an extensive library of resources for improving reading comprehension and preparing students for tests needed to meet their employment or educational goals.
Join Our Team and Help Adults Realize Their Potential
Volunteer
Our volunteer tutors play a crucial role in helping students develop the math and reading skills they need to meet their goals.
During training, volunteers study our easy-to-understand curriculum and learn effective tutoring techniques. After training, each tutor is matched with a student and meets with them at least twice a week. A staff member is available during tutoring sessions to answer questions and coach the student-tutor team.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer tutor for Project Read Plus, call us at (217) 423-7323.
Donate
Contributions ensure that we have the resources and tools to address everyone’s unique strengths and challenges. The outcome is that all students have what they need to gain knowledge and skills that help them move forward. This positively impacts them, their children, and our community.
Learn more about how you can be part of this positive change. Contact us at (217) 423-7323.
