Dedicated to positively impact the lives of adults through improved literacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Read Muskegon?
Read Muskegon is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting the lives of adults through improved literacy. Read Muskegon fills a need in the community by serving learners who are either not yet ready for adult basic education, not a good fit for the adult education classroom setting, or need extra help to improve their skills. Read Muskegon is a volunteer organization.
2. What services does Read Muskegon provide?
Read Muskegon provides free one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing and other literacy skills. We also provide training for volunteer tutors and ongoing mentorship.
3. Does it cost anything to refer a student to Read Muskegon?
No, it is a free service for the learner and the referring agency. However, learners must be able to call on their own and schedule a 1-1 orientation at 231-766-5040.
4. How is Read Muskegon funded?
Read Muskegon is currently funded through individual and company donations, and through contributions from local service organizations. Read Muskegon has also received grants to support its work. Read Muskegon welcomes donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Please click here to learn more about donating to Read Muskegon.
5. What types of learners does Read Muskegon work with?
Read Muskegon works with adults age eighteen and older who are in need of literacy instruction. The range is from a non-reader to those who are just below a high school graduate literacy level (approximately 8th grade reading level).
Read Muskegon does not discriminate. This means we will not make anyone leave the program because of how he or she thinks, believes, looks, or acts. We accept adult men and adult women. We accept people who are gay. We accept people that have been born anywhere in the world. We accept people with handicaps, as long as the handicap does not affect the person’s ability to read and write. A handicap will be considered significant if, in our judgement alone, it requires the services of a professional.
6. What learners tend to be the most successful with one-on-one tutoring?
Learners who have a high level of motivation to improve their reading skills in order to achieve a specific goal, such as reading to their children or getting a higher paying job tend to be most successful. Also learners who are not dealing with significant personal issues are better able to focus on the classes and thus be successful.
7. How long does it take for learners to begin their tutoring sessions?
In most cases a learner will be placed within a week or two with a tutor and tutoring sessions will begin shortly thereafter. However, the waiting period could be a month or longer depending on when the next group of tutors will be trained or finding an appropriate match based on availability, location and gender preference.
8. How many hours of tutoring are provided each week?
Learners will be provided with 1 to 1.5 hours a week of tutoring and in some cases more, if both the learner and tutor agree to do so.
9. How long may a learner stay with Read Muskegon?
A learner may stay as long as progress is being made, and the learner is happy with the program and attending sessions consistently.
10. What is the process for a learner to be enrolled and matched with a tutor?
After a learner contacts Read Muskegon, a one-on-one orientation meeting is set. At this orientation, the learner is asked questions about barriers that have kept him/her from learning, overall goals, and specific things he/she wants to learn to read first. This information is part of the individualized Learner Plan that is developed and combined with the Learner’s current reading level. Read Muskegon currently uses the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) to ascertain reading levels. The learner is given referrals to meet current needs (such as glasses, etc.), so that tutoring time can focus on literacy skills. Following the orientation, the Learner will be notified as soon as a match with a tutor can be made.
11. What can I do to get more information about Read Muskegon?
Call (231) 766-5040 or e-mail info@readmuskegon.org.
Read Muskegon
PO Box 1312
Muskegon, MI 49443-1312
Phone: (231) 766-5040
E-mail: info@readmuskegon.org
