Promoting

Literacy

through

Advocacy

and

Instruction

Annual Report2012/2013

Organizational OverviewFounded in 1964 as a volunteer organization, Gaston Literacy Council, Inc., (GLC) is a private non-profit thatexists to improve the literacy rate in our community, thereby contributing to the economic development of ourcounty and our region. Gaston County’s literacy rate of 78.9% as of 2010 is below the State and Nationalaverages (84% and 85%, respectively), and without at least a high school education, 21% of Gaston County’sadults are considered functionally illiterate. We help our clients become functionally literate through advocacyinitiatives and instructional services. Our organization, staffed by specially trained professionals, is progressiveand dedicated to helping individuals improve their reading, writing, mathematics, listening, speaking, andtechnology skills.

GLC tailors its services to support our community’s economic development initiatives, elementary school readinggoals, high school graduation rates, and increased civic involvement. As our County’s economy has changed,Gaston Literacy’s role in the community has also evolved, from imparting basic survival skills to helping clientsattain the GED® and/or Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), enter post-secondary education and/or theworkforce, and earn Citizenship. GLC’s services empower students to be engaged in the community, participatein their children’s education, vote, and take control of their health.

GLC trains a segment of our County’s workforce that lacks the skills to compete in today’s job market. In fact,our adult learners who score within the two lowest literacy levels can only read and write numbers and lettersand simple words and phrases. They can handle entry-level jobs that require only basic written communicationand do not provide sufficient income to support a family. With GLC’s help, our students achieve theireducational and employment goals and earn family-sustaining wages leading to a fundamental improvement intheir quality of life.

GLC has recently expanded community partnerships specifically to reach the unemployed. A partnership withJobLink allows GLC staff to conduct assessments, classes, and career counseling at the JobLink site, and inJanuary 2013, Goodwill Gaston Job Connection invited GLC to conduct classes in GED® preparation andbasic skills at their location on Broad Street. Since no other organization currently provides these services atthose sites, our assistance is vital for the unemployed who cannot afford transportation to our facility and wholack the education and skills now required by most employers in Gaston County.

To remove barriers to learning, GLC’s clients benefit from our two-way referral partnerships with theDepartment of Social Services, Vocational Rehab, Gaston Together, and other United Way agencies. Forexample, if a student is hungry or without transportation or shelter, we are able to point them to the righthelping agency. In turn they refer their clients to us for literacy services. Additionally, GLC values itspartnership with Dr. Ann Hoscheit and Summit Eye Associates who provide eye exams and visual aids at little, orno, cost to GLC students.

Gaston Literacy is an accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy America, the national association thatacknowledges literacy organizations that are distinguished by superior professional leadership, effectiveprograms, committed governing boards, and outstanding volunteer support. ProLiteracy America PresidentMarsha L. Tait praised GLC for demonstrating “its ability to meet the highest standards of excellence inproviding literacy services to its students and volunteers.”

GLC has been recognized for its leadership in improving our community’s literacy rate. For example, GLC hasbeen recognized by the North Carolina Community College System as an agency whose program practicesare effective and efficient. In fact, our student outcomes consistently exceed the State’s goals for literacyadvancement.

Meet the AuthorAt Gaston Literacy’s 7th annual Meet the Author Event, Gastonia’s very ownJanice Holly Booth, author of Only Pack What You Can Carry, presented aninspiring story built around conquering fears and applying that success toeveryday life. Her easy style of discussing her writing, setting life goals, and theimportance of literacy was enjoyed by all in attendance. Our community wasthrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate her success as a writer. Janice wasnot only entertaining and inspirational; she connected her journey of self-discovery to our mission!

Program Descriptions & OutcomesAll services are Free and Confidential

Gaston Literacy offers research-based courses in various levels of Reading, Writing, Math, ESL, KeyTrain andCitizenship. Most classes are held at the 7,500 square foot GLC facility located in downtown Gastonia, which ishandicap accessible and houses staff offices, a small lending library, classrooms, and one-on-one tutoringcarrels. GLC opened a new Connected Classroom in 2012, which contains 1 instructor and 11 student CPUworkstations and an interactive SMART Board®. This new technological infrastructure, coupled with ourcomputer lab for independent study and our KeyTrain lab, equips 100% of our adult learners with the skills touse technology at home, in the community, and in the workplace.

The 2012/2013 outcomes for major programs are detailed below. (Note: Adult client improvementoutcomes are based on formal pre-/post-testing utilizing federally-recognized adult assessment systems.Eligibility for post-testing is based on a prescribed number of instructional hours.)

Pre-GED: GLC classifies students functioning at the intermediate and adultsecondary levels as Pre-GED, and with 125 clients, Pre-GED is the largeststudent sub-group. They study Reading/Literature and the Arts, Science,Math, Social Studies, and Writing. In small study groups, students developindependent study skills, learn to express ideas and opinions, and feel part of acommunity advancing together and supporting each other. Of those post-tested, 68% demonstrated improvement in Reading and 69%demonstrated improvement in Math.

Fifty students were referred to local community colleges for portions of theofficial GED® exam. 45 (90%) registered and 100% received passing

scores on the tests they took: 28 clients passed all five parts of the GED® exam (including 2 withHonors); 20 more began the process by passing one to four parts of the exam (compared to 10completers in 2011 and 17 in 2012).

Adult Basic Education (ABE): GLC classifies students functioning at the beginning literacy levels as ABEand served 42 students at this level last year. Students in this program receive a combination of one-on-onetutoring by volunteers or staff and small-group instruction led by staff members in Reading Basics, ReadingComprehension, Spelling and Writing, and Math Concepts. Of those post-tested last year, 64% demonstratedimprovement in Reading and 87% demonstrated improvement in Math.

English as a Second Language (ESL): The main objective of ESL classes is to improve students’ Englishcommunication skills while expanding their understanding of our community and the United States. ThroughESL, students acquire knowledge, information, and skills to be better family members and employees, activepartners in the education of their children, and contributing members of society. English Language instructionis coupled with instruction in Civics and technology so that they may fully participate as members of ourcommunity and compete in the workplace. ESL clients at the highest levels of proficiency may also enroll in Pre-GED classes. Eighty-seven ESL clients were served last year, and of those post-tested, 74% demonstratedimprovement in Listening and 82% demonstrated improvement in Reading.

GLC also offers a Citizenship Class that prepares clients who haveestablished permanent residency for the Citizenship exam. In class,students practice reading and writing and learn about the Naturalizationprocess. Through one-on-one instruction with staff, clients work onunderstanding and completing the application and prepare for theinterview. Seven clients achieved Citizenship last year. Since GLCbegan offering Citizenship preparation, 100% of the clients wehave referred for the exam have passed.

Civics Classes: In addition to the Citizenship class, GLC’s citizenshipcandidates must attend Civics classes alongside our American students. The

classes are designed to improve English communication skills and cultural awareness for all participants whilelearning about the history and structure of the U.S. government, the geographical history and currentgeopolitical structure of the country, the roles and responsibilities of the president and the White House, andhow to navigate the U.S. legal, educational, workplace, banking and healthcare systems. Thirty clientsenrolled in Civics and Citizenship last year. 82% demonstrated improvement in Reading and64% demonstrated improvement in Listening.

KeyTrain is the computer-based curriculum that prepares students for the WorkKeys Career ReadinessCertificate (CRC). It equips learners with 21st century workplace skills, reinforces GED® aptitudes in Readingfor Information, Locating Information, and Applied Math, accelerates ESL advancement, and helps clientsexplore career opportunities and pathways. Ninety-six clients received KeyTrain instruction last year.Furthermore, this program has contributed to our students’ success in obtaining the GED®. Since we beganoffering KeyTrain in 2010, the number of students having completed one or more sections of the GED®hasincreased every year – from 16 GEDs in process in 2009/2010 before KeyTrain to 48 in 2012/2013. Since webegan offering this instruction in 2010, 55 clients have earned their GED®; 50 clients have earnedthe CRC; 49 clients have either become employed or retained their job; and 6 clients haveentered post-secondary education.

Reading Soul MatesIn this program, at-risk second-grade students are matched with supportiverole models who tutor, set expectations, and provide motivation and guidance.Using the Gaston County Schools-approved curriculum Scholastic GuidedReading, children develop a positive attitude toward reading, achieve success,and build self-confidence. The program includes a variety of language skill-building activities and incorporates a multi-style approach to teaching.Students learn to focus on meaning and use problem-solving strategies to figureout words, deal with difficult sentence structure, and understand new concepts.Discussions and open-ended questions help children develop higher-thinkingskills by inspiring imagination.

The Accelerated Reader (AR) approved curriculum is also used in tutoring sessions. This change is positive forthe students because the computer-based AR testing provides immediate and more frequent feedback on theirreading and comprehension skills improvement, helps students gain computer skills, and helps both thestudents and schools achieve their annual AR goals.

Last year, 5 adult volunteers and 51 Teacher Cadets from Ashbrook High School tutored 49 students at Lowelland Robinson elementary schools. The program produces extraordinary results: of the 1,037 second-graders served by Reading Soul Mates since 1999, 96% have demonstrated gains in their readingproficiency, 52% have achieved grade level reading, and 21% have exceeded their grade level forreading. We trained 53 new tutors and 100% of our new tutors became active.

By serving as a Reading Soul Mates tutor, Teacher Cadets are also able to satisfy a service learningrequirement on which they are graded. They gain valuable experience in their chosen career path, reinforcingtheir skills and giving them the confidence and opportunity to become change agents for their community.

Contextualized Family Literacy ProjectGaston Literacy Council received a grant award from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) toimplement a new Family Literacy curriculum that includes training for parents regarding how to be the primary

teachers for their children and more involved partners in their education and thatequips them to transition into career pathways and/or postsecondary education.

Our clients focused on financial literacy, including money management skills foreveryday life. Students learned to use the Internet to locate resources for budgetingtips and worksheets, and to visit websites of financial experts. We utilized “MoneySmart” lessons sponsored by the FDIC that included an introduction to banking, tofinancial recovery and home ownership. Our students learned how to research theInternet to find coupons and compare prices for products they regularly purchase.

All sessions included information on career choices. Students took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test to see iftheir current career goal matched their personalities. Students reviewed the Occupational Outlook Handbookand Job projections for North Carolina. Participants also worked on KeyTrain to prepare for the CRC tests.Based on standardized post-testing, 80% of our Family Literacy clients demonstrated improvement inReading, Math, and/or Listening, and 60% completed a NRS literacy level. Sixty-one percentachieved documented personal goals such as obtaining jobs, earning the GED® or the CareerReadiness Certificate, and attaining Citizenship.

The Connected ClassroomIn 2012, the Glenn Foundation generously funded GLC’s Connected ClassroomProject, including the purchase of student and instructor CPU workstations andan interactive SMART Board®. This new technological infrastructure, coupledwith our computer lab for independent study and our KeyTrain lab, equips100% of our adult learners with the skills to use technology at home, in thecommunity, and in the workplace.

Technology is being used to enhance and supplement written work, to increaseour students’ comfort and familiarity with technology, to prepare them for theelectronic GED® exam scheduled to arrive in 2014, and to provide them with a

strong foundation of technological literacy required to pursue post-secondary education or any career path theychoose.

All subject areas are enhanced by resources available on the Internet. The SMART Board© technology providesincreased opportunities for active learning and group work. For example, this year in Science class, studentsread a news article about the sink hole in Miami. After discussing the article as a group, the students wereinstructed to Google the word “sink hole” individually and share with the class the additional information theyfound.

Gaston Literacy’s student retention rate this year was a record 77% — an outstanding achievement compared tothe long-standing national average of 50%. The Connected Classroom is essential to GLC’s instructionremaining relevant in today’s connected society.

TutorsABE

Groves, Jo Ann Steketee, Bruce Ritchie, DanGiacobbe, Tony Rizk, Roger

ESLHartman, Ron Bittner, Laura Wright, Marsha

RSMLowell Tiffany Lambeth Rebecca Rice

Laura Agudelo Blake Morgan Taylor McentireIvette Albarran Mikayla Mullis Claudia Steffey

Carrie Anderson Hannah Nethery Kaylee BostickMadison Alman Natalie Railey RobinsonMackenzie Bess Grant Stafford Anne KaulEmbrecia Brice Ross Taylor Kendall Love

Taylor Bruce Maribel Ayala Elizabeth Lowry Imira Byrd Jeremy Crawford Mark Ludwig

Kelsey Carithers Amanda Dixon Vivian PerllmanCaitlin Crook Emily Elmore

Kay Dang Brian JacksonRyan Dever Benjamin Chavez

Paris Feaster John BradshawTaylor Gardin Jennifer JoinerGenet Girmay Mary Yavelak

Melodie Guffey Russell BessShelby Howell Bethany Hines

Mckenzie Huggins Grayson RayneAkeyhemia Jackson Abigail Woodward

Emily Ladd Claudia CardonaErin Masssey Frederick Wells

“High achievement alwaysoccurs in the framework of

high expectations.”

Charles F. Kettering

Read! Read! Read Club ($1 - $49)Andrews, Harold & DenaAndrews, Mabel W.Aycock, Mary A.Bagwell, Mr. and Mrs. SeanBrannock, Larry R. & Diane H.Burris, Mr. and Mrs. RandallCarriel, Anne H.Cline, Horace L. and Muriel C.Cloninger, Mr. and Mrs. Alan G.Coyle, Dorothy H.Emmerling, Mrs. Hazel M.Erwin, Mr. and Mrs. Max G.Hicks, Mr. and Mrs. Gary D. Jr.Jamestown Homeowners AssociationJurs, Mr. and Mrs. S. AndrewJurs, Sara E.LaFar, Dorothy D.Ledford, LeonLove, Marion JacksonMcDonald, ElenaMcRainey, Madrie G.Mitchell, Joanne M.Morgan, Ms. Susan T.Noblett, VannPage, Ibby PatrickRichards, Ms. Amy B.Spencer, Janet D.Summerville, Mrs. Lillian P.Sumner, Mary D.Viquez, NurianWallace, Michael Lee & Leslie Gilliam

Skill Builders ($50 - $99)Adams, BeckyBonnin, Dr. & Mrs. IrvinBoyd, RandyBrittain, Carol B.Cassels, Merryman C.Craig, Clarissa H.Crane, JohnFord, James R. & Barbara L.Fulghum, S. & A.G.L.A.D.Gerringer, LindaGlenn, Harry N. & Patricia M.Gray, William M.Greear, Mrs. Jeanne J.Jacobs, Joe S. & Gaylia M.Jones, H. Clyde & Lou H.Kunkle, Mr. and Mrs. Carl C.Lanier, LillianLawson, Mr. and Mrs. William D. III

Layton, DavidMaloney, EugeneMcArver, Roger E. & GingerMoose, Mr. and Mrs. John E.Norcross, Dr. and Mrs. Frederick C.Rinehart, Dr. and Mrs. David A.Rowe, R. Leonard & Virginia PenegarSiceloff, David M.Stacey, Donald K. or Susan B.Stiles, Janie Y.Sutton, Robert T. & Benette T.Ward, Mr. and Mrs. Theron D.

Literacy Advocates ($100 - $249)Abernethy, Mrs. Sarah A.Arney, Mrs. Mary P.Bryant, Clarissa YorkBryant, Harry M.Carstarphen Family Foundation, Inc.Carstarphen, Mrs. Catherine P.Cinq-Mars, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J.Dixon, Mrs. Jean G.Driscoll, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B.Drum, Ann W.Edge, Deborah A.Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Jr.Fidelity Associates, Inc.Fleenor, David C.Fogle, Mrs. Sylvia R.Forde, Richard B. & RobynGilreath, Michael J.Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Walter H.Hannon, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen J.Heckel, Dr. Jennifer Kacmar and Dr.Mark Hendricks FoundationHovis, Kelly W. & Richard L.Jordan, Richard & SarahKing, Dr. Glendall L.Massey, Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Jr.Matiz-Gihwala, MireyaMatthews, Mrs. Alice S.McConnell, Linda C.McLeod, Michael & DiannaMiller, Dr. and Mrs. George R.Moser, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Jr.Rankin, Richard E., Jr. PhDRobinson, May GrayRoyster, Mrs. Annabelle Z.Sadler, Dr. and Mrs. Edward D.Simmons, Karen M.Stultz, David & JenniferSumner, Beverly W.

TRUISTTutterow, John S.United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc.Watts, Dr. and Mrs. John C. IIIWhitesides, Ms. Susanne Albright

Sustaining Supporters ($250 - $499)AnonymousGastonia East Rotary Literacy EndowmentGastonia Sheet Metal Works, Inc.Harrill, Baxter & NancyJackson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred A.Jones-Demeny, AliciaLanz & Nason, DDS, MS, PAMcCallister, Mr. Duane K.Meakin, Dr. and Mrs. Charles J. IIIMultiple Choice, Inc.Opportunity Awaits, Inc.Pearl Wilson Mission FundPSNC EnergySmith, Peggy C.Stott, Hollowell, Palmer & Windham, LLPSumner, JaneTorrence, Charlton K. IIIWealthplan Financial Partners, LLCYates, Steven W. & Deborah Jarvis

ROTELL Partners ($500 - $999)Cozart, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Jr.Efird, H. Timothy, IIHarris, Mr. and Mrs. D. RussellHenry, George F. IIIKersh, Mr. and Mrs. John D., Jr.Planer, Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey A.Roberts, ScottRobinson, RalphRogers, Mr. and Mrs. David R.

Laubach Society ($1,000 - $2,499)Cromlish, John S.First Presbyterian Church of GastoniaKelly, Bill & Annabelle Kimbrell, W. DukeEugene R. Matthews Memorial FundNixon, Frank and AnnParkdale Mills, Inc.Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. Plato Jr.Petty, Mr. and Mrs. Larry K.Queen of ApostlesRatchford, David R. & Patty O.Robert & Elizabeth Sytz, Jr. FundSolomon, T. J.Summit Eye AssociatesWarlick, Mrs. Pamela K.Wells Fargo

ContributorsGaston Literacy Council, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the

following supporters who made this report possible:

Sarah Howe Literacy Guild($2,500 - $4,999)

Gaston County Commission on the Family

The Charles & Irene Nanney Foundation

Olna Daves Leadership Givers($5,000+)

David Belk Cannon FoundationGaston County CommissionersGlenn Foundation, Carrie E. & Lena V.NC Community College SystemUnited Way of Gaston Co.

HonorariumsBrannock, Diane

Nancy HarrillDixon, Mrs. Jean G.

Nancy & Baxter HarrillHarrill, Baxter & Nancy

Rev. & Mrs. Houston MatthewsMr. & Mrs. David MaxwellMr. & Mrs. Larry StilesMr. & Mrs. Billy SimmonsMr. & Mrs. Bobby SumnerMr. & Mrs. David StultzMr. & Mrs. Ronnie StarnesMr. & Mrs. Lee SchultzMr. & Mrs. Donnie ThrowerMrs. Fred NorcrossMr. & Mrs. Royce RobinsonMr. & Mrs. John BrickenMr. & Mrs. Gene BennettMrs. Laura BridgesMr. & Mrs. Johnny GrimsleyMrs. Dee LandMr. & Mrs. John FryeMr. & Mrs. Phil MartinMr. & Mrs. Jeff VanacoveMr. & Mrs. Joel GoodrichDr. & Mrs. Bill KellyMr. & Mrs. Rusty FordMr. & Mrs. Wade HussMr. & Mrs. Steve BrittainMrs. Neely DixonMr. & Mrs. Bill Cozart

Kelly, Roy William & Annabelle M.Bill & Carol SudykBecky & Bill AdamsClarissa & Tommy BryantMary & Ernest SumnerNancy & Baxter HarrillGaylia & Joe JacobsJulie & Wayne ShovelinKaye GribbleJanie & Larry StilesBeverly & Bobby SumnerKaren & Bill JarchowKatie & Ben MorrowPatty & David RatchfordBarbara & Doug CrispAnna & Randy ChambersMr. & Mrs. Steven Lee BrittainMr. & Mrs. James Roy FordMr. & Mrs. Royce Robinson, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David Ray StultzDr. & Mrs. Ellis FisherMr. & Mrs. Don Thrower

Stultz, Jennifer T.Annabelle KellyPatty Ratchford

Mary SumnerAnnabelle Kelly

Tutterow, JohnBobbie Kessell

Memorials Arney, Mrs. Mary P.

Dr. Gerald W. ArneyJamestown Homeowners Association

Jennie CoeNixon, Frank and Ann

C.E. NixonCoyle, Dorothy H.

Dr. and Mrs. Ron Digby

In-KindCC Communications (Web Site)Ann Hoschiet - Student Vision ServicesFirst United Methodist Church -

Rent ReductionGraphic Design courtesy of Susan Crisp

Financial StatementJuly 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

Beginning Balance $118,887Receipts $376,485Subtotal $495,372Disbursements $(371,549)Ending Balance $123,823Liabilities $0EndowmentBeginning Balance - Fair Market Value $752,499Deposit - Contributions $2,000Withdrawals $(31,432)Net Earnings $62,919Ending Balance - Fair Market Value $785,986Designated Scholarship Fund (included aboe) $10,008

NC Solicitation License No. SL002480

2012/2013OfficersChair, John S. Tutterow, Ed.D.Vice Chair, Gayle KershSecretary, Ann DrumTreasurer, David Fleenor

DirectorsRachel BagleyCarol BrittainAnn EdwardsTim EfirdMichael J. GilreathLeeAnn HarrisAnnabelle KellyLinda McConnellMireya Matiz-GihwalaFrank NixonBernie PetitJudy PlanerPatty RatchfordScott RobertsJulia M. Shovelin, J.D.

2013/2014OfficersChair, Gayle KershVice Chair, Tim EfirdSecretary, Ann DrumTreasurer, Scott RobertsImmediate Past Chair, John Tutterow, Ed.D.

DirectorsLisa Albright-JursRachel BagleyCarol BrittainMichael J. GilreathLinda McConnellDavid NanneyFrank NixonBernie PetitJudy PlanerChris Pridnia, CFPPatty RatchfordMartha Jayne RhyneJanie StilesLil SummervilleLiz SumnerWavey Williams

Board of Directors

116 South Marietta StreetGastonia, NC 28052

704-868-4815fax: 704-867-7796

literacy@gastonliteracy.orgwww.gastonliteracy.org

Accredited AffiliateProLiteracy AmericaAffiliationsUnited Way of Gaston CountyNC Literacy AssociationAwardsNC Center for Nonprofits

Sector Stewards AwardAll-America City ProjectGaston Together’s

Circle of Caring AwardKiwanis Club Tablet of HonorUnited Way of Gaston County

Award of Excellence