Literacy Resources/ RI
our literacy library
related courses
other programs at Brown
local agencies
career resources
lesson plans
other literacy resources

Language and Literacy programs strive to fill gaps in existing services, collaborating with other service providers whenever possible. Programs work with immigrants and refugees, low-income communities and families, the developmentally disabled, and adults in need of basic education skills. Programs follow a participatory model of education, and stress the use of learner-generated materials in classroom, small group, and one-to-one settings. The Language and Literacy programs are funded in part by the Rhode Island Department of Education.
contact: Janet Isserlis, Assistant Director, Language and Literacy

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)


Olneyville ESOL Program offers ESOL classes four nights per week at the William D'Abate Elementary School. Contact: Jessica Wronowski and Vicky Wang

Genesis Center Teacher Education is a new project, bringing Brown students to the Genesis Center to observe ingoing ESOL classes, to learn about English language and literacy education, and to develop teaching skills as participant observers. Contact: Emma Tai or Janet Isserlis

Adult Literacy

The Deaf Literacy Program offers literacy instruction to deaf adults in Providence. Classes are held two nights a week on the Brown campus. Classes are team taught by professionals in deaf education, and Brown volunteers serve as assistants. Contact: Earnest Okwara

Developmentally Disabled Literacy Program pairs volunteers with developmentally disabled adults to develop social, literacy, and computer skills through weekly sessions at Brown. Contact: Vijay Narayan and Rudmila Rahman

MET Family Literacy Program, a partnership with the Met School, offers classes two evenings per week to parents and children. Classes include ESOL, GED preparation, computer literacy, and Spanish. Contact: Renee Ahlers (adults) or Dilania Inoa (children)

Intergenerational Literacy Sessions - documentation of three sessions engaging Brown students in a consideration of the implications and possibilities of intergenerational literacy within our community-based
educational programs. (Word document, in RTF).