Adult Literacy Education Network in WV

West Virginia adult learning system is comprised of a network of service providers. Together these organizations operate the state's toll-free Adult Education Hotline, 1-800-642-2670, which connects potential adult learners with appropriate programs in their area.

Many of these organizations also collaborate to produce NETWORKS--West Virginia's Literacy and Adult Education Newsletter. NETWORKS is a quarterly newsletter available to those involved in addressing the needs of adult learners. NETWORKS provides valuable inforabout regional, statewide and national events and issues. It is a collaborative publication created for, and produced by, West Virginia's literacy and adult education providers. If you would like to subscribe to Networks, email Kathy Winter or telephone her at 1-800-642-2670.

West Virginia Department of Education

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Unit of the Division of Technical and Adult Education Services offers basic education services to individuals 16 years of age and older who are not officially enrolled in public schools. A complete description of services is in the "Components of the Adult Basic Education Program" section.

 Adult Literacy Volunteer Organizations

Two statewide adult literacy organizations have networks of trained volunteers that provide confidential, individualized and small group tutoring in basic literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL). The state and regional staff members of these organizations are funded primarily through ABE, the Benedum Foundation, and corporate donations. The state organizations give technical assistance to local literacy providers. The local programs are funded primarily through private donations, mini-grants, and local support.  Several county libraries provide support to volunteer literacy programs through staffing, tutoring space, administrative support, and materials.

Literacy programs affiliated with Literacy Volunteers of America - West Virginia use a learner-centered approach and whole language philosophy. Councils affiliated with West Virginia Laubach Literacy Action use a primarily phonics-based approach.

Governor's Council on Literacy

The Governor's Council on Literacy, formerly known as the West Virginia Literacy Council, was created in 1991 by Executive Order of the Governor. Its primary goal is to assist in the coordination and promotion of adult literacy efforts. It is charged with presenting annual recommendations to the Governor for effective literacy initiatives. The council consists of 25 members representing volunteer literacy programs, Adult Basic Education, libraries, Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau of Employment Programs, Economic Development Office, Corrections, Head Start, Even Start, Department of Education and the Arts, business, labor, private sector, and community-based organizations.

Council committees include:

• Public Outreach
• Grant Application Review
• Workforce Development
• Scholarships
• Family Literacy
• Resource Development
• Council Development

West Virginia Literacy Foundation

The Foundation was created in 1995 to provide a private funding source for literacy efforts. It is funded through state and private, tax-deductible donations. It works collaboratively with the Governor's Council in distributing funds for adult literacy grants and scholarships to local recipients. The Foundation also supports the Council's public outreach and family literacy efforts.