Model & Priorities
In 2004, Centro Latino set about to develop a computer-based literacy program that could greatly reduce the time commitment and skill level required of a teacher or tutor. Centro Latino’s LEAMOS por Computadora (Let’s Read by Computer) program reduces teaching time from 100 hours to about 2 hours, while enabling students to progress at their own pace and repeat lessons as often as needed.
Following the guidance of experts in the field, Centro Latino initially made LEAMOS available only to schools, libraries and community-based organizations. However, this strategy failed to ignite the bonfire of literacy we had hoped to see. In the meantime, friends and family members of non-literate adults began asking for the program to use at home. We began to realize that the only way to scale our impact significantly would be to mobilize and support the 85-90% of Latino immigrants who know how to read and write to tutor the 10-15% who do not. We are currently developing the additional teaching and learning tools, training and support to maximize the potential for success with this approach. Once we have beta tested these, we will scale this model using the power and reach of Spanish language TV and radio.
While it would be ideal if a well-trained teacher could work with each non-literate youth and adult, neither the political will nor the resources exist to make this possible. At the same time, explaining the process of supporting learning to family and friends can also have important ripple effects as they apply their new understanding and experiences with their children and themselves.
The following is a graphic rendition of our model. (It grows from the bottom to the top like a tree, so please start at the bottom of the page.) Click here for a pdf version of the model.
© 2007 Centro Latino for Literacy
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