The program values and supports the development of independence, critical thinking and problem solving.

Key Core Quality Standard:
10. Ratio of Learners to Instructors: A quality literacy program has a ration of learners to instructors which is appropriate to learner's needs and levels as well as to the mode of instruction.

Features:
The program has a realistic ratio of instructors to learners to ensure that diverse needs of the learners can be met.

• The program has a policy of establishing appropriate ratios of instructors to learners for different modes and levels of instruction, based upon its own experiences, research and evaluation, shared information with other literacy programs, and the literature on the effectiveness of literacy training.
• The program's policy on ratio is used for a basis for establishing staff levels and targets for recruiting and training volunteer tutors and for deciding upon its allocation of resources for various modes of instruction (for example one-on-one vs. group instruction).
• The program's policy on ratios is used as a basis for deciding how many learners the program can accommodate at any one time.

Ratios are adjusted, as appropriate, to take into consideration special needs and circumstances of learners.

• Initial and ongoing assessments identify the need for additional or special instruction, as well as the appropriateness of a different mode of instruction (for example one-on-one in comparison with a group setting).
• Smaller class or additional instructors or other supporters are used for learners with special needs, such as people with multiple handicaps, who require additional assistance.