Learners

Welcome to the OC Read Learner page. Here you will find information about becoming a learner, as well as useful content for current learners. For more assistance, contact the office

Interested in becoming a learner?

OC Read offers services to anyone who is a resident of Orange County and:  

  • Is 16 years or older 
  • Is not enrolled in the K-12 school system 
  • Wants to improve their foundational reading and writing skills 
  • Have 2 hours a week to devote to tutoring

Though OC Read strives to serve the ELL community to the fullest extent possible, tutoring is conducted in English, so learners must have conversational command of the language.    

All services are free and confidential. For more details about the program, visit the FAQ on the About OC Read page, or contact the office! OC Read staff are available Mondays through Thursdays from 10 to 7, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 to 5. You can reach the office by calling (714) 566-3070, or emailing readoc@occr.ocgov.com

FAQ

Tutoring is completely free for adult learners.

Yes. Any personal information shared with OC Read is kept confidential between you, the program, and your matched tutor or learner.

Tutors and learners work together for at least 2 hours a week. OC Read will match you with someone in your area at a time that works for you. Tutors and learners are encouraged to meet at OC Public Libraries branches.

Though OC Read strives to serve the English Language Learner (ELL) community to the fullest extent possible, tutors do not have the training to effectively assist ELL adults who want to work on their English (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Language acquisition requires all parts of language learning, and it would be a disservice to match someone who has language acquisition or language proficiency goals with this program.

If you or someone you know would like to learn English, OC Read can help connect you with other low cost/no cost ESL programs within Orange County. Please contact the office at readoc@occr.ocgov.com or (714) 566-3070. 

Tips for Successful Learners

All learners with OC Read commit to 2 hours a week of tutoring time. To get the most out of each of your sessions, check out these quick tips.

Contribute to lesson planning

You are a learning partner, and your ideas are at least 50% of the lesson planning process. Always tell your tutor if there is anything you do not understand, if your goals change, or if there is something else you would like to work on. 

Continue to practice what you learn at home

It takes constant and consistent work to make progress with your reading and writing goals. Talk with your tutor to find the right level of independent work to do each week. 

Keep in touch with OC Read

Reading the OC Read newsletter and participating in OC Read programming is a great way to practice your skills outside of tutoring, and to stay connected with the program. Join the Learner Leadership group to pave the way for future adult learners, and share your opinion on OC Read adult programming. 

When it comes time to launch

Work closely with OC Read staff when you reach your goals, or your skills move beyond the level that OC Read's services cover. OC Read's literacy coordinators will help you find a new program or other resources in your area.