Frequently Asked Questions

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What is TFL exactly?

TFL is a non-profit 501(C)3 company which provides adult literacy services and lifelong learning programs.

Where are you located?

The TFL office is located on the third level of the Palmer Public Library, 1455 North Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069. Our phone number is 413 283 2329.

Who can use TFL's programs and services?

Anyone who lives in the Quaboag Hills region and surrounding area.

Do I have to come to Palmer for lessons?

No, you don't - if you are receiving one to one instruction. The first meeting will be at TFL in Palmer, so that you can be introduced to your tutor, pick up materials, etc. but after that you and your tutor can choose to work at one of our satellite libraries. They are: Clapp Memorial in Belchertown, Hubbard Memorial in Ludlow, Monson Free Library, Warren Public Library, Wilbraham Public Library, and the Young Men's Library Association in Ware. Just let the librarian know you are from TFL. All other classes are held at TFL.

How long have you been doing this?

There has been a literacy program in Palmer since 1978, which developed into Literacy Volunteers of Quaboag Valley and then became Top Floor Learning in October, 2003.

What's the difference between adult literacy services and lifelong learning?

Adult literacy services means that we offer a wide range of very reasonably-priced literacy programs including reading/writing/math instruction, GED Preparation, the half-length GED Practice Test, and the Full Battery GED Test. In our English as a Second Language (ESL) program we offer English language instruction to help people become more proficient speakers, readers and writers of English as well as citizenship classes.

The Lifelong Learning program offers enrichment classes, based on the notion that we never stop learning, there's always something new to learn and new people to meet.

How can I find out what you are doing?

Check out the website first, where all our courses are listed. Call us at 413 283 2329 and ask to be put on our mailing list. Then you will receive course catalogues four times a year and any other mailings we send out, including our Annual Review.

How does the adult literacy program work?

You have to be 16 or older and out of the high school system. You will have an initial interview with Marsha Gaudette, the Director of Adult Literacy Services, who will talk with you to learn your goals and needs. Once she has a clear picture of what you are looking for, she will plan a course of study with you to help you achieve your goal. She will then match you with a tutor, who you will meet with for two hours each week, following your personalized plan of study.

The course catalogue mentions Reading and Writing. Is this different from GED?

Yes. The Reading and Writing program is for people who don't need a GED but want to review their reading and writing skills. You work with different materials than the GED program does and the whole course of study is dependent on your goals rather than someone else's. Possibly you want to apply for college and need to prepare for the college placement test - this is a great way to do that. Perhaps you just want to read better for your own enjoyment - this is the place to come. Maybe your job has changed and now you have to read more complex instructions or pass a test for promotion - we can help.

What does it cost?

You pay $50 for one to one tutoring. Each session is two hours each week and each cycle is for six months. Your registration fee is due before you begin working with your tutor. You may have to buy a textbook which is available from TFL. You can enroll for six months and if you want to continue you can enroll for the following six months.

That's only $50 for up to 44 hours of instruction!

The ESL classes are $20 for eight week cycles. These are at Intermediate and Advanced levels. They are held once a week for two hours. They include conversation in English, reading and writing and grammar. Everyone works from a set textbook chosen for the level of the class. The eight week cycles are separated by a one week break then the class continues into the next cycle. Many students enroll for all 5 cycles in the year. That's only $100 for a whole year, or 90 hours of class time!

What do the GED tests cost?

The GED 1/2 length practice test costs $20 and the Full Battery GED Test is $65.

How do I get a GED?

First of all, call us to set up an appointment with Marsha Gaudette. She will evaluate your needs. If she feels you are ready to take the Practice Test, you could book this right away. Maybe you need to do some work to get ready to take the Practice Test so Marsha will match you with a tutor who can help you.

Can I still be in school and try the Practice GED to see if I could pass the real test?

No. Top Floor Learning encourages students to stay in school and graduate. We offer GED services only to people who have left school.

When is the half length Practice GED Test?

These are held monthly, in the evenings, over two days. Day one is science, social studies and reading. Day two is writing and mathematics. After you complete the test, Marsha or another tutor will meet individually with you to discuss your results.

I want to take the Full Battery GED Test. Do I have to be in your program?

No. Anyone can register. These tests are offered by Holyoke Community College and Top Floor Learning and they take place in the Community Room of Palmer Public Library in October and April.

How much is the Full Battery GED Test?

It's $65, payable at the Top Floor Learning office in cash or money order payable to Holyoke Community College.

What do I need to do to register?

You need to register in person at TFL's office. If you are under 18 you need to bring a letter from your last high school stating the date of withdrawal. Transcripts or withdrawal forms are not acceptable. You must be 16 years at least. Bring a photo ID and your payment and be prepared to spend about half an hour filling out the forms.

How do I find out the dates of the GED Test?

Check our website or call 413 283 2329.

Who teaches in the adult literacy program?

Our tutors are all volunteers from the community. Over 50 people of all ages and all backgrounds volunteered to tutor in 2006-2007. Many are teachers, some teach in the public schools right now and some are retired. For example, we have several math, physics and science teachers, a biology teacher, several English teachers, language teachers, a retired French professor, a retired engineer, a former linguistics professor, a retired computer expert, professional ESL teachers, and several people from the business world.

Volunteers are essential to the adult literacy program and TFL is indebted to them!

How are they trained?

Top Floor Learning provides trainings in ESL and Reading/Writing/Math. We offer 2 trainings in ESL and 2 trainings in R/W/M each year. These are held twice a year, usually in January/February and September/October. They last for 18 hours, 3 hours a week for six weeks. Tutors learn all the theory, practices and techniques necessary to work in our program. The training is very practical, interactive, and stimulating.

What makes TFL different from other places that teach ESL or GED?

We don't put you in a large class with people of widely differing levels of proficiency, whether in ESL or reading, writing or math. At TFL you will get the personal attention you really need in a one to one session with your own tutor, or, if you choose, a small class where everyone is at a similar level.

How big are the classes?

In the ESL program, in addition to the one to one program, we offer Intermediate and Advanced classes. These are small (maximum 10, average 6-7) and everyone is on a similar level.

Can I do both one to one and a class?

Yes. You can take a class for two hours a week as well as have a one to one tutor for another two hours a week - it's really up to you.

Do you teach Citizenship?

Yes. We thoroughly prepare you to take the test. You will have the opportunity to do a mock test so you will be familiar with how the test is conducted. All of the students who have applied for citizenship through TFL's program have passed.

Why would I come to you?

Because we have an excellent service, our fees are extremely reasonable (approximately $1.25 per hour for instruction), we have highly-trained tutors, and administrators who really listen to the students to help them achieve their goals. So all around it's a well-functioning, professional and enjoyable center, both to work and learn at.

Are you the only adult literacy center in this part of Western Massachusetts?

As far as we know we are unique - the only really integrated literacy organization that offers personalized one to one instruction, ESL classes, Citizenship, GED preparation, GED testing, and a wide range of literacy and lifelong learning options. And, as far as we know, we are the only organization where all the tutors are volunteers.

Who runs everything?

TFL has a staff of four. Margaret Boyko is the CEO, Marsha Gaudette is Director of Adult Literacy, Lisa Remillard is Director of Lifelong Learning, and Stanley Skowyra is the Financial Manager. We have a board of trustees which currently has nine members.

How are you funded? Why is instruction so cheap compared to other places?

TFL's operations and programs are funded entirely by the community - by corporate donors, individuals, foundations, organizations and local businesses. We depend on people like you - people who are interested in our mission and support what we do. We are able to keep the cost of instruction down because the community actively supports us.