A new program at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library offers the opportunity for adults and out-of-school youth over 16 to prepare for a high school equivalency diploma with the help of a tutor – for free. The new Hi-Set exam, which has replaced the GED test, is challenging for many, and this program will help students prepare at their own pace. Anyone is welcome to participate.
Tutoring is also available for those whose first language is not English but who would like to improve their English reading, writing, and conversational skills. “The cultural exchange is very enjoyable,” stated one tutor. “We love to have conversations about all sorts of topics and get to know one another.”
“It’s never too late to improve one’s reading skills,” offered library director Susan Pizzolato. “Adults sometimes come in for reading assistance who already have high school diplomas but want to read more fluently. Sometimes their motivation is wishing to read more confidently to their grandchildren. There are many reasons why someone doesn’t read at the level he wishes he could. This is a wonderful, discreet way to work with a caring adult who can help.”
The program also offers basic computer assistance and basic money management. These important skills can sometimes need brushing up, especially for older adults or those who never learned to manage a check book.
Volunteer tutors are paired with adult learners, depending on the educational goals of the learner and convenient times for both. Tutoring sessions are typically once a week at the library. All materials are provided by the library.
Anyone wishing to tutor is encouraged to contact Deena Kinsky by leaving a message at the library 508-758-4171 or emailing her at 2learn2read@gmail.com. No previous teaching or tutoring experience is necessary. Each tutor will receive training and an orientation to the program.
This one-on-one, confidential tutoring program has been funded with a grant from The Marianne J. H. Witherby Foundation. Brochures describing the program are available at the Mattapoisett Library, located at 7 Barstow Street.