Program Information

The Aquinas Literacy Center offers a variety of programs for our English-language learners. Below is a listing of our programs:

One-on-One Tutoring: ALC offers four levels of one-on-one English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. Learners meet for a minimum of 90 minutes per week with an assigned volunteer tutor. Learners must have at least six years of education in their native language to study English. Classes are scheduled between 9:00am and 8:00pm from Monday through Thursday. All tutors receive 12 hours of pre-service training and are certified by Pro Literacy America before beginning with a student.

Spanish Literacy/First Language Literacy: For learners with five years or less of education in their native language, ALC offers Spanish Literacy/First Language Literacy. Students meet in a small group, and are instructed by a volunteer teacher. Students meet twice a week for one year. Based on the recommendation of the instructor, they are moved to transitional classes, which consist of one session of Spanish Literacy and one session of self-directed ESL computer study per week. This program began in 2004, and currently meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Brighton Park Small Group Instruction: Two small group ESL classes began in September 2007 at the Brighton Park Library. Each group is instructed by a volunteer and has less than ten students. Students are assessed and appropriately placed into the groups. If necessary, referrals are made for students who would benefit from Spanish Literacy or should attend classes at a community college. Currently, the groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00am until 11:30am.

Conversation Classes: To supplement the one-on-one tutoring sessions, ALC offers four one-hour conversation groups on Tuesday evenings, Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings. Students are encouraged to participate in conversation class, but it is not a requirement. Currently, two volunteers, who are former Chicago Public School teachers and certified Pro Literacy tutors, teach the conversation groups.

Computer-Assisted Learning and Computer Literacy: There are two components of the computer literacy program: self-directed, independent learning and computer workshops led by the Computer Learning Coordinator. Learners are able to use the computers from 9:00am until 8:00pm everyday (Monday through Thursday). There are a variety of programs available: Rosetta Stone, Longman Interactive, The Alphabet and New Oxford Picture Dictionary. Computer students are monitored and assisted by trained volunteers or literacy center personnel. The Computer Learning Coordinator offers computer workshops throughout the year. Some workshops include Basic Computer Literacy, Intermediate Computer Literacy, Typing, Microsoft Word and Internet Use. Students are strongly encouraged to study on the computer and attend computer workshops.

Family Literacy Nights: ALC hosts Family Literacy Night twice a year to promote reading activities for the entire family. This event promotes literacy and learning for the entire family, and reinforces the importance of partnering with families to promote English literacy. 

Children痴 Summer Program: In collaboration with the McKinley Park Library, the children of our students who participate in summer tutoring are invited to the library痴 story hour (which is conducted by the children痴 librarian) followed by an art activity period. ALC employs an art teacher who coordinates a project with the featured book of the week. At the end of the session, the children leave with their art project and the featured book. This program allows our students to continue with their tutors in the summer, while their children participate in supervised literacy activities.