Our most important job at Teton Literacy is to instill confidence, proficiency, and a love of reading in all of our students. When it comes to assessing our effectiveness, our best measure comes from the increased confidence we see in our students. We also utilize officially recognized testing and assessment methods to measure the quantifiable progress of all of our learners.

For adults, pressures of work, family, and economics often supercede the need to study. As a result, it is estimated that the average adult learner will require from 500-1,000 hours of practice to master only the basic, survival level of English. Even so, the average student with the Teton Literacy Program progresses quickly in their oral language proficiency because classes are designed to instill self-assurance. We measure our Adult English Language Learners according to the Basic English Skills Test.

Children are assessed according to the PALS Spelling Program from the University of Virginia and the Qualitative Reading Inventory. These assessments are coupled with teacher and tutor observations, student portfolios, and teacher reports. We also measure our results based on evaluations and reports from the parents.

All students, children and adults alike, are asked to self-report at the end of each session of study. These evaluations are used to address obstacles that may impede the learning process for some students.

The average child in the program progresses one full grade level per six month session of study. The average adult progresses the equivalent of three levels of spoken English per six months.

At the Teton Literacy Program, we believe success should be celebrated. We are proud of the work of all of our students and tutors, and we welcome you to read about Susan & Cassie, Sahir and Don Dority.