Literacy Source

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kinds of programs does Literacy Source offer?

Q: How do I know if these classes are right for me and if I can take them?

Q: How do I sign up for classes or tutoring?

Q. When are the new student orientations held?

Q. How is Literacy Source able to provide free instruction to students?

Q: What kinds of programs does Literacy Source offer? (back to top)

A: There are lots of ways you can learn at Literacy Source. All our classes and tutoring sessions are FREE. At our office in Fremont, we have beginning, intermediate and advanced ESL classes as well as tutoring, where one student learns from one teacher. All students learning English, from beginning to advanced, can take our classes. We also offer ESL classes at other places around Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac.

For people who already speak English, but want to improve their reading, writing, math or computer skills, we offer Adult Basic Education (ABE) one-to-one tutoring and math classes. Another class, Reading Tools for Life, helps ESL and ABE students practice their reading skills. Students listen to recordings of books while reading along silently. Then they read the material back to a tutor out loud.

At our office in Fremont, we offer programs for low-income parents who need to find a job or want to get a better job. The ESL for job-seekers includes computer, job readiness, and English language skills.

We also have Workforce ESL classes on the job at some workplaces in Seattle. These employers work with Literacy Source to offer classes that meet the specific needs of the employers and employees at those work sites.

Our Citizenship Program offers tutoring and classes at the Fremont office, in White Center, and at a few other places around the city for people studying for the citizenship test.

For adults who want to earn their high school diploma, we have an online program to help you study for the GED, or you can work with our External Diploma Program (EDP). The EDP allows adults to get a high school degree by demonstrating their abilities through certain tasks. They meet regularly with staff over several months at convenient times.

To improve your computer skills, you can attend one or more of the computer classes or you can sign up for one or two hour computer tutoring sessions.

Finally, we offer a number of classes off-site including a Life Skills/Transition class at the King County Correctional Facility.

Q: How do I know if these classes are right for me and if I can take them? (back to top)

ESL

ESL classes: You have to be at least 18 years old and must agree to attend classes for three months or more. When you are done with the classes, you must agree to take a test to see how much you learned. You must be planning to live in the U.S. long-term as a refugee, immigrant, or citizen. If you are here on a student, visitor or tourist visa, you cannot participate in ESL classes.

ESL tutoring: You have to be at least 18 and agree to attend three hours of tutoring each week for at least a year. You have to be a low-income refugee, immigrant, or citizen; students on visas cannot get tutoring. We offer tutoring first to students who are beginners or know only a little English.

ESL for Job-Seekers: All beginning-level ESL students can take this class. If you are on public assistance (TANF) you can also be referred by your case manager if you are on public assistance.

Workforce ESL classes: You must work for a company that is one of our partners to take these classes at your workplace. If you are interested in learning English where you work, call Isabel Childs at 206.782.2050 or email Workforce@literacysource.org to see if your employer could begin to offer classes.

At Literacy Source, we provide free ESL classes and tutoring first to the students who need it most, including people who don't have enough English skills to be self-sufficient in their community or who can't get to classes for financial, family or work reasons. We don't always have enough space, teachers and money to teach English to everyone

ABE

ABE classes and tutoring: You have to be an adult who wants to improve in reading, writing or math or wants to work toward a GED or high school diploma. You should have a goal of getting a new or better job or continuing your education.

GED Online: To study for your diploma online, you have to have an email account and good computer skills. You have to be motivated to work on the GED Online at least four times a month and must demonstrate higher level reading skills. Literacy Source helps you prepare for the GED test, but you will have to contact the United Indians of All Tribes testing center or a local community college to take the GED test.

Reading Tools for Life: For this class you have to be at least 18, low-income, come to class every week, and agree to regular tests to see how you are doing. Both ESL and ABE students can take this class.

External Diploma Program (EDP)

You must be at least 21, have some job experience and be motivated to complete the steps needed for the EDP. You need to have high school level skills in reading, math and writing. To qualify for the EDP, you have to take a test called CASAS and score at the high school completion level. You can take the CASAS test at Literacy Source. You can complete the steps on a schedule that works for you, and you will earn a traditional high school diploma, which is awarded by Seattle Central Community College. SCCC charges $50 for tuition to get the diploma.

Citizenship:

To work toward your citizenship with the Literacy Source, you have to be 18 or older, be a low-income refugee or immigrant, and have your Permanent Resident card (PR or green card) for at least 3 years and 5 months (if you’re an immigrant) or 2 years and 9 months (if you’re a refugee). You can’t be taking citizenship classes or getting tutoring from another agency and you must live in Seattle. If you live in another part of King County, you have to be getting public assistance to join this program.

Computers:

Any student or community member can sign up to learn basic computer skills from a computer tutor. The tutor will teach you one-to-one; you can sign up for a one or two hour session each week.

Q: How do I sign up for classes or tutoring? (back to top)

A: Call 206.782.2050 to sign up for a New Student Orientation. If you have questions you can also talk to the Coordinator for the program you want to learn about. Read below for more information about signing up for the different programs.

After attending a New Student Orientation you can sign up for an intake and registration appointment. That appointment usually takes 2-3 hours; you’ll fill out some papers and take some tests. If there is space in classes or programs you want, you can start right away. For tutoring, students will be put on a waiting list.

If you are interested in applying or studying for the Citizenship test, please bring your Permanent Residency card (PR or green card), Social Security Number, paperwork from immigration, proof that you get benefits from DSHS (like a copy of a food stamp card, medical coupons or card or a SSI or GA benefit letter). If you don’t get public benefits, bring proof of your low-income status (like a W-2 form or a copy of your most recent tax form or paycheck).

Q: When are new student orientations held? (back to top)

Call the center at (206) 782-2050 or see our current calendar (click here for current calendar) to find out when the next New Student Orientation will be held. They are usually held on Monday or Thursday, from 1:00-2:30 or 7:00 - 8:30. You should sign up in advance--the sessions fill up fast!

Q: How much do these programs cost? (back to top)

A. Almost all of our services are free to students. The External Diploma Program requires $25 at the beginning of the program and another $25 when you finish. All our other services are free.

Q: How is Literacy Source able to provide free instruction to students? (back to top)

A.Literacy Source can offer all these programs free because we get money from a lot of different places. Corporations, government agencies, private foundations, small businesses and individuals contribute funds to make our work possible.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) Office of Adult Basic Education (OABE) supports Literacy Source’s Adult Basic Education, EL Civics, volunteer coordination and WorkFirst services, as well as staff development.

Literacy Source became a United Way of King County community partner in 2007. United Way funds help Literacy Source provide free services. Support from Boeing Employees Community Fund, Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods and others allowed us to buy new computers and other resources to help learners get ready for today’s world and workplace. All kinds of people in the community also give money and support to Literacy Source at fundraising events throughout the year.

Since our primary mission is to provide learner-centered instruction to low-income adults in English literacy and basic life skills, we work hard to offer our services free or at very low cost.