|
 When Barbara Cook called in July and said she planned to take the GED tests in early August, we weren’t sure we could help. Learners usually wait for as long as two months or longer for tutors. Reading, writing, and math skills typically take a good while to develop, often years, so the short time frame seemed unworkable. In addition, Barbara particularly needed help with math, which not all tutors feel comfortable with. We had Barbara come in for an intake, thinking that if she didn’t pass in August that we could help her in the future.
When Barbara came in she scored quite well on the Tests of Adult Basic Education in reading and math. Her scores put her within striking distance of passing the GED tests. She again expressed her determination to get her GED in August. She planned to enroll at Virginia Western Community College in the fall semester, and that was that. The state of Virginia has a new initiative called Race to GED, which it hopes will double the number of GED graduates by 2005. Barbara fit the profile. She was definitely in a race — a race she had to win to start college classes in the fall.
Fortunately for Barbara, Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley is has a volunteer math tutor who likes challenges and loves to teach math to motivated learners. Although he was already working with a student, Stuart Wamsley, a retired engineer, said “yes” when he got the call. He and Barbara began work immediately and worked everyday for the rest of July to tackle the math test. Barbara took the GED tests right on schedule the first week of August, and last week she began classes at Virginia Western. Her race to GED was won. Now she can slow down as she digs into college work. Barbara plans to teach elementary school. Good luck and congratulations, Barbara!
Of course, Barbara is not the typical Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley learner. For most of our folks, the Race to GED is a marathon and not a sprint. However, we strongly support the state’s initiative and hope to help as much as possible to make the goal of 20,000 GED graduates in 2005 a reality. With the strong commitment of volunteers like Stuart, we know our efforts will make a substantial contribution to this initiative.
Click image above to find out more.
|
