An inability to read impacts every area of someone's life. Imagine not being able to read your medicine, a menu, forms for work, an application, or social media. More than 70% of the population in the greater Mid-South doesn't read above a third-grade level.

We work to take the shame and fear out of an inability to read by creating a safe, open space to ask questions and begin the process of learning. Children use structured literacy and games one-on-one or in a small group with a person they know as a mentor. Adults learn with small group, structured instruction and cultural events.

Our Approach

While we support and believe in the value of books, apps, and software, we know that our literacy students need a compassionate, trained person to guide and support. We create an environment is welcoming, safe, and open for questions and support by providing smaller, more personalized support within a framework of structured learning. We limit the number of students in our ESOL classes so every student has an opportunity to read, speak, listen, and write. We train and guide tutors so that while they are tutoring, they develop a relationship with a student and act as a mentor and coach. We reassess students after each semester to measure growth and share that with our students to adjust and celebrate learning gains. While our method is more costly than larger groups or with technology, our students achieve their goals quickly in an environment that is conducive to learning.

Shelby Literacy Center

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Literacy Empowers!