November 28, 2007
Bowling
Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University and the Housing Authority of Bowling Green have used a $100,000 grant to develop an Adult Literacy Center to help adults improve reading skills.
The focus of the program, funded by the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development, is on phonics and comprehension, according to Jim Berger, associate professor of adult education at WKU. Reading materials and computer software are used to promote reading strategies and ensure a greater understanding of phonics and comprehension, he said.
Dr. Berger added that participants are also asked to work on their writing skills to demonstrate their understanding of the passages they have read as they relate to their lives.
The program is open to adults over age 18 who live in Warren County and are non readers or low-level readers. Adults with a reading level over the fifth grade, as determined by the Test of Adult Basic Education, will be recommended to the local adult education center. Dr. Berger said program has had 13 participants since it began this fall and the program should continue through at least June.
The Adult Literacy Center is located in Housing Authority’s Learning Center, 247 Double Springs Road. Two-hour sessions are available Monday through Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Free transportation, child care and food are available.
Participants can begin at any time and attend as many sessions as they like. They receive a $10 gift card at the first session and another gift card at every fourth session. Referral forms and additional information are available from the Housing Authority by calling 393-2203 or 843-6071.
More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
For more information, contact Jim Berger, (270) 745-3892.
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