2016 Adult Literacy Program

Functional illiteracy is defined by EOTOSA as knowledge and academic performance below the eighth grade level in reading, writing or math. Our goals are simple: to provide one-on-one tutoring to out of school teens and adults functioning below 8th grade level academically, provide pre-GED tutoring, provide basic technology literacy, provide life skills support, provide English as a second language instruction and serve as a resource to other emerging non-profits serving the disadvantaged. We are unique among San Antonio education service providers in that it offers one-on-one tutoring tailored to an individual’s specific needs.

In San Antonio, per the U.S. Census Bureau (2011), the illiteracy rate stands at 12.47% (174,000 citizens). This is more than double the national average of 5.56%. An overwhelming number of these citizens are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Low functioning adults are much more likely to be poor, homeless, on public assistance, incarcerated, unemployed or underemployed. Their children are at much greater risk for dropping out of school. As a further challenge to addressing the illiteracy problem among older learners, the city of San Antonio, at the end of 2013, closed 7 city-run adult learning centers, two of which were supported pro bono by EOTO. Individual school districts and non-profits struggle to use limited existing resources to retain the services that were previously provided by the city.

We currently operate in 4 locations: Family Violence Prevention Services (serving female victims of domestic violence), Goodwill Good Careers Academy at the Ella Austin Community Center, the Convent at Springview, and the EOTOSA Community Literacy Center. In order to establish a headquarters location for agency operations and service expansion, we purchased a former fire station in city council district 1. We opened our new community literacy center in January, 2015 at 815 El Monte BLvd., San Antonio, Texas. We have substantially expanded our hours of operation, added program enhancements (such as computer and ESL classes), and, most importantly, increased the number of adult learners served. In 2014 we served 164 adult learners, and plan to increase to 250 adult learners in 2015.

Our program methodology is consistent regardless of the locations where services are offered. Each enrolling adult learner is evaluated through standardized tests to determine their educational level and through an interview to determine their educational history and goals. Based on the enrollment outcomes, EOTOSA staff develops an educational plan for the student, and assigns the student a volunteer tutor to implement the lesson plans. The students are tutored one-on-one, or in small (less than 10) group settings, depending on the needs of each student.

The student’s progress is evaluated periodically by our staff. Students are encouraged to make a commitment of 2 hours in-person tutoring and 3 hours self-study per week. Evaluation methods for students include assessment exams upon enrollment to test baseline knowledge (paid staff), pre- and post- testing to measure knowledge advancement (paid staff), tutor comments and student feedback from every session (volunteer tutor), GED practice testing (paid staff) and monitoring of advancement through the program (paid staff). This on-going evaluation continues until the student achieves their educational goals.

Once an adult learner attains functional literacy and/or completes their GED preparation, they are better equipped to find and retain gainful employment. This is critical for San Antonio as the city continues to seek new businesses to enhance the local economy. Studies also reveal that the educational attainment of the parent/caregiver is the single most important predictor of a child’s academic success. A literate population in San Antonio allows citizens to actively participate in the success and prosperity of their families, as well as contribute to the economic prosperity of the entire South Texas region.

Funds provided will be used for literacy instructors and curriculum materials to continue our literacy instruction efforts.