7QUESTIONS+PLUS

Cheryl Hernandez, the Program Director at the Kenosha Literacy Council. Hernandez, who has a degree in education and specializes in early childhood education, joined the Literacy Council in July 2006 and coordinates classes, tutoring, training new tutors and evaluating students’ progress. This week she gave us insight into Kenosha’s literacy levels and she says you can help.

Cheryl Hernandez will now take your questions ...

How did you become involved with the Kenosha Literacy Council and what is you role with the organization? I actually became involved with the Kenosha Literacy Council as a volunteer literacy tutor. When I moved to Kenosha a couple of years ago, I was looking for a way to get more involved in the community. I also wanted to use my background in education and thought the Literacy Council would be a perfect fit. In my current role as Program Director I am a responsible for the recruitment and training of our volunteer tutors, student enrollment and evaluation, and overseeing the day-to-day implementation of all our adult literacy services.

What services does the Literacy Council provide? All of our services work to provide and promote literacy education in English to adults in Kenosha County. We provide 1:1 tutoring where an adult student works privately with a trained volunteer, drop-in tutoring where trained volunteer tutors are available to help adult students with individualized lesson plans and homework, and small group classes that give students the opportunity to practice real life skills. Our current classes include Beginning English, Conversation, Pre-GED, a Book Club and Project Journey. We also offer an eight-week citizenship class several times a year to help adults prepare for the naturalization test and interview.

Who does the Literacy Council serve? We serve adults throughout Kenosha County. Last year KLC provided services to 339 adult learners from 35 foreign countries. Approximately 86 percent of learners are foreign born with the largest representation from Hispanic and Asian populations. The other 14 percent are American-born residents functioning at low literacy levels. The majority of our learners are between the ages of 22 and 59 and most are low to moderate income.

Is there a need for these services in Kenosha County? Yes! Kenosha County has a functional illiteracy rate of over 17 percent of the total population over the age of 16. The Hispanic population has grown by more that 38 percent since the 2000 census and continues to be the largest of the local minority groups. The Asian population had the most growth over the last year. About 9 percent of Kenosha residents report speaking a language other than English in the home which is higher than the state average of 7 percent.

Who provides the services? All of our services are provided by a group of amazing volunteers. Last year 90 volunteer tutors provided over 7,000 hours of literacy instruction. If these volunteer tutors had charged for their services, it would cost the community over $100,000. We truly depend on the hard work and dedication of all of our volunteers. They are changing lives everyday.

How can I become a volunteer tutor? It is really very easy. Simply contact KLC to find out when the next tutor training is scheduled. Each volunteer tutor participates in 14 hours of training that covers teaching adult learners, curriculum and cultural awareness. I always tell potential volunteers that you don’t need to have experience as a teacher because we provide you with all the tools you’ll need.

Why do you think literacy is important? I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a home that was filled with books and that fostered a love of reading. I know that this foundation provided me with many wonderful opportunities. I believe, without a doubt, that literacy and education are the keys to unlocking success in life. The following quote from former U.N. Chief and Noble Peace Prize winner, Kofi Annan, illustrates the importance of literacy in our society today, “Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship.”
What do you most enjoy reading? Lately, the thing I most enjoy reading are stories from the students at the Kenosha Literacy Council. We just recently published the sixth edition of our Student Anthology. This year’s book has 40 stories from students around the world that give insight into their countries, cultures and life experiences. In general, I enjoy reading about travel, history and cooking.

What is something that you think everyone should read once? I know it seems silly but I think everyone should read a little Dr. Seuss. They are books that are easily accessible to everyone, they can be shared with children and they really do touch on some important topics. Which one is my favorite? “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” because I think it is a motivational story that tells us we are in charge of our own lives and that the decisions we make have the power to take us to great places.

What are some of the obstacles facing our society in trying to promote literacy? In my opinion, one of the major obstacles facing literacy today is our ability to meet the need. There is an ever-growing population in need of literacy services but more and more competition for funding and volunteers to provide services. For instance, approximately 1 million adults in Wisconsin qualify for adult literacy and English language services but only 75,000 — or less than 10 percent — of adults in need of services are currently receiving them. I think two of the most important things we can do are to continue to build awareness in our community and to begin to work together to ensure everyone who needs services is receiving them.

What’s your take on Kenosha’s literacy rate? Are residents here above or below average reading levels? Overall, I believe that Kenosha’s literacy rate is comparable to the rest of the state. Agencies in our community are working together so that we can meet the needs of more adult students. The Kenosha Literacy Council is organizing an Adult Literacy Summit that will gather literacy providers in Kenosha County to discuss ways in which we can enhance access to and coordination of adult literacy education services.

How has new technology affected literacy? A recent study from the National Endowment for the Arts states that less people are reading for pleasure and technology plays a role is this. Obviously there are many benefits to electronic media but they don’t provide a substitute for actually reading a book. Much more time is spent watching television, using the Internet, and playing video games. Even time reading is now shared with activities like text messaging, e-mailing, and listening to music. Research has shown that the number of books in a home is a significant predictor of academic success but families are spending less than ever on books and more on other household entertainment. I think technology will continue to affect the way we think about reading.

What advice do you have for parents who want to help their children learn to read, and how do you help them learn to enjoy it? My best advice for parents who want to help their children learn to love reading is to encourage through example. The more you read and share reading with your children the more they will want to read. Don’t be afraid to read to your child, even if you think you’re not a “good reader” because they will enjoy hearing your voice and spending time with you. Research shows that reading to children everyday and providing them with an environment filled books and words will better prepare them to learn how to read when they enter school.

The Literacy Council sponsors an annual spelling bee. How do you think you would do? Last year was my first experience with the Kenosha Literacy Council’s Community Spelling Bee and to be honest, I would have probably been out after the first round. We all have our own strengths and despite my second grade teacher’s best efforts, spelling is not one of mine. So for me the Spelling Bee is a great time because I get to be amazed at everyone else’s spelling ability. If you want to be part of the fun at this year’s spelling bee mark your calendar for Friday, May 9th.