The CALS Project (CAL Literacy and Skills)
What is the CALS Project?
The CALS Project stands for California Literacy and Skills Program. It is a Basic Skills* Tutoring Program for Staff. The program is administered by The Center for Workforce Development, and is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Administration.
The CALS Project is a one-to-one and small group tutoring program for UC Berkeley employees who want to improve their writing, speaking/pronunciation, reading or basic math skills. Three elements are vital to the program's success:
- Learners choose to participate in the program.
- Learners identify their own learning goals.
- Tutors choose to participate in the program, design curriculum to meet the individual needs of learners.
Most people know us as the program that helps staff build their basic* English skills. That’s exactly who we are and there’s more.
More than 1100 tutor learner pairs have been matched since our program’s inception 14 years ago. We’ve worked with everyone from custodial staff in worksite groups, to individual language conversation pairs with post doctoral scientists.
*Basic skills are those writing, reading, speaking, and math skills that allow for full participation in one's work, personal and community life.
Why was the CALS Project created?
Research demonstrates that the level of basic skills needed in the workplace will continue to rise. In the current economy, UC Berkeley is beginning to extend new decision-making authority to staff. Staff members need stronger basic skills to meet these challenges and to allow them more flexibility within a leaner workforce.
Who can receive tutoring?
All UC Berkeley employees qualify for the program. Tutoring is available to both native-born English speakers and those for whom English is a second language.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Apply to become a Learner
How much time is involved?
Tutor/learner pairs meet once or twice a week for one hour. All those involved are asked to commit at least six months to the program.
How much does tutoring cost?
The CALS Project is free to all participants.
Can I participate in the program during work hours?
Most learners in the program are granted release time for tutoring. Tutors are often given release time as well. If necessary, learners and tutors fit tutoring into their flex time schedules, use lunch time or meet outside work hours. If release time is used, it is arranged between the employee and their supervisor.
When and where do tutoring sessions take place?
Tutors and learners meet at times and locations that are convenient for both of them.
Who are the tutors?
All tutors are volunteers. Most are campus employees; some are retirees, University students and community residents.
What kind of training and support do tutors have?
The CALS Project provides ongoing training opportunities that prepare volunteer tutors to work with learners. Tutors also have access to individual consultation with the CALS Project Coordinator and the CALS Resource Library as well as many online resources. For tutors who already have training and/or experience teaching basic skills to adults, the classroom training can be abbreviated.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Apply to become a tutor
The CALS Project Invites You To Volunteer As a Basic Skills Tutor
- Make a difference in the life of a UC Berkeley employee!
- Develop valuable teaching skills
- Experience the satisfaction of helping someone strengthen their basic skills*
What do I need to know about tutoring?
- Only that you would like to try to do it. No teaching experience is required. Training opportunities are provided—along with the ongoing availability of consultation and resource materials— will help prepare you for tutoring. All training, materials and consultation are free.
- The ability to be patient and flexible is essential to successful tutoring.
Note: If you have had equivalent training and/or experience tutoring with adults, an abbreviated orientation will be offered you.
When and where does tutoring take place?
- The CALS Project matches tutors with learners based on scheduling compatibility and other criteria. Learners are often granted release time for tutoring.
- Tutors and learners meet for one or two hours per week at convenient locations on- and off-campus.
One on One Tutoring
- Tutor a custodial or dining staff worker on basic English skills.
- Tutor a visiting scholar on acclimating to American culture.
Facilitate small groups
- Lead a English group. 2-4 learners.
- Teach a worksite English group (7-15 learners)
Special for Students
- Create custom service projects for your group, sorority or fraternity.
UNEX Students
- Fulfill your learning and mentor hours for TESOL.
Quotes From Tutors
"I have really enjoyed helping another employee improve her skills. She is becoming more confident and I am learning as much as I am teaching."
"When I started tutoring I was very nervous about whether I could do it. The training and other resources are helpful but really it's all about listening carefully to what my learner wants and needs and developing some ways to teach to those specific areas."
"My learner has become a good friend. It is a whole lot richer than just a tutoring relationship."
The CALS Project: Resources
The CALS Project offers its participants the use of a resource library, which is housed in 243 University Hal. For more information contact CALS Project, by email: calsproj@berkeley.edu, or call 643-5280.
The CALS Project Office and Resource Library are located in 243 University Hall.
Books and other materials are offered on the following topics:
- Grammar
- Learner’s Lives As Curriculum- www.gailweinstein.net (at the home page - go to: professional activities; Learners' Lives as
Curriculum; Tools and handouts.) - Lesson Plans http://humanities.byu.edu/elc/Teacher/sectiontwo/sectionII.html
http://humanities.byu.edu/elc/Teacher/teacherguidemain.html - Math and other Lesson Plans http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/math.htm
- Literature: Basic Skills in the Workplace
- Phonics
- Reading/Comprehension/Vocabulary Building
- Speaking English
- Tutor Resources
- Writing
- Rubicon: www.rubiconprograms.org
- Digital Urban Storytelling for Youth http://www.berkeley.edu/news/berkeleyan/2004/10/27_partnerships.shtml
Are there other services available?
The Cals Project welcomes the opportunity to provide customized presentations about the program and basic skills issues in the workplace. For more information, contact: calsproj@berkeley.edu, or call 643-5280.
The CALS Project office and services are wheelchair accessible. Persons who wish to request disabilities-related accommodations should contact the CALS Project at 510-643-5280 or TTY-TDD 510-643-9421.
Mailing address:
University of California, Berkeley
CALS Project - Center for Workforce Development
C/o 207 University Hall MC 3540
Berkeley, CA 94720-3540
How can I find out more? Contact the CALS Project via email: calsproj@berkeley.edu or phone: 643-5280 for more information.