Action Read’s values and our philosophy of learning shapes our programs. We believe:

• That we must provide choices and activities that are meaningful to the learner.
• That learner input and commitment is essential.
• We should draw on existing knowledge and successes.
• It’s important to establish the learner as confident and capable.
• We must choose relevant and practical learning materials.
• We must connect with others in the community to provide the full range of resources and services that a learner may need.

What does “learner-centred” mean to Action Read?
Learner-centred means that tutor-learner pairs and group members set goals together with the tutor and / or group facilitator and decide what they want to work on. The learners are the focus of what goes on in every tutoring or group session.

Is literacy learning just about reading, writing and numeracy?
Learning at Action Read means working on improving reading, writing, digital literacy, numeracy and other Essential Skills. Being part of our programs can also help with improving other important life skills. These include speaking out, listening to others and time-management. Joining a program is a terrific opportunity to meet new people, work as a team and feel a sense of belonging to a community.

I want to work on my literacy skills, but I’m nervous to work one on one with someone…
Try a group! There you work with people with similar goals and challenges. You get support, not just from the facilitator, but your fellow group members as well. During the intake and assessment (your introduction to Action Read), staff see what group would be the best fit for your abilities and needs.

Our eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Be at least 19 years old.
• Must be able to set goals and demonstrate improved literacy skills regularly, however modest.
• Be without the literacy, numeracy or basic computer skills necessary to meet everyday needs, meet their educational goals, or to find / keep a job.
• Have the ability make independent decisions around attendance, transportation, goal setting and training needs related to their learning plan.
• Have the ability to understand expectations and demonstrate the potential to improve their Essential Skills.
• Cannot attend secondary schools funded by the Ministry of Education or adult credit level programs. Adults who are upgrading at school board and college programs are fine.
• Have communication and numeracy levels that fall within the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development’s Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program levels.
• Communicate competently in English at Canadian Language Benchmark 6 or higher in speaking and listening.

What to Expect:

• We conduct an individual intake assessment in order to understand your needs, skills and challenges and create an individual learning plan.
• Individual plans consider the employment, training and personal goals of learners, as well as strengths, challenges and interests.
• We recognize that there are many ways to reach a goal and encourage learners to get involved in several programs and committees.
• We offer ongoing support, referrals and follow-up.
• Childcare and transportation support are available to eligible learners.