Journey To Success is a curriculum used to teach reading and writing skills to adults, including those learning English for the first time. It has 9 levels, starting with an introduction level through level 8. The program includes placement tools, progress checks, and teacher’s manuals that you can print yourself.
One of the most useful tools available is a document that can help you determine which of the 3 core literacy curricula, Journey To Success, Laubach, and Challenger, is a good fit for your student: Which Reading Series to Choose. This is a great, easy to read tool.
Journey To Success is a great fit for many students. It has opportunities to read both fiction and nonfiction text. It starts at the very beginning of reading skills, and it moves through at a quicker pace than many options.
The teacher’s manual for Journey To Success provides for some structure, but does allow for flexibility for the tutor. It doesn’t have a predetermined vocabulary, encouraging students to develop word lists and analyze words for meaning.
The program also uses graphic organizers which are research proven tools to help learners make sense of information. After the first 2 levels the content is structured in thematic units.
If your student has the goal of pursuing High School Equivalency (GED or similar programs), but really doesn’t have the prerequisite skills, this program can be a great fit. The reading content covers a variety of topics that can help students prepare for the early test in Arkansas GED programs, called the TABE.
There are supplements and tutor directions for English language learners. However, if your student is lacking basic phonics skills and doesn’t seem to pick up on them quickly, Journey To Success may not be a good fit. The program does have many opportunities for conversation practice and expanding upon what is in the book.
Journey to Success balances all areas of reading instruction, but Journey to Success works on short, functional writing. If your student needs more extensive writing instruction, you may need to supplement or find another program.
