The curriculum of the program includes structured instruction in spoken English, reading, grammar, spelling, workplace skills, writing skills, and pronunciation. The needs and goals of the women determine the particular books and materials used for instruction. Tutors may continue to work with the women even after they have attained basic literacy skills, helping them to study for the citizenship test, the C.N.A. (certified nurse assistant) test, and the GED, and to acquire life skills. The hours of the program and the yearly calendar accommodate the needs of the women, including work and school schedules. Students and tutors meet at the Dominican Literacy Center for all tutoring sessions.
	The Dominican Literacy Center makes available a library of books, magazines, tapes, flash cards, and maps to all tutors and students. The program directors help the tutors match the different needs of the students to the materials available at the Center. Along with the standard materials at the Center, the Center provides a computer center that allows students to learn basic English skills with ESL software. The Ellis program provides a comprehensive series of lessons that stress vocabulary, punctuation, American culture and grammar.
Conversation classes, available three times a week, provide an additional opportunity for students to practice oral skills. A certified teacher conducts these classes, giving students the chance to use recently acquired skills. Citizenship classes, taught three times a week, prepare legal permanent residents to become new citizens.

Dominican Literacy Center    260 Vermont Ave, Aurora, IL 60505-3100   (630)898-4636   domlitctr@sbcglobal.net