• describe the strengths and weaknesses of different models of volunteer involvement;

• research how agencies support volunteer tutor involvement in the assessment process;

• develop a resource manual of models, best practices, resources and strategies; and

• develop a series of bulletins designed specifically to inform volunteer tutors about learning outcomes, demonstrations and assessment.

Extensive research revealed little formal documentation, however focus group research and personal interviews provided a significant amount of anecdotal evidence that validated the premise that volunteers do indeed play a significant role in assessment.

Research for the manual and tutor bulletins was also conducted with focus groups of both volunteers and staff in Tor onto, Sarnia, North Bay, Timmins, Kirkland Lake and Simcoe County. A wide selection of print material was consulted as were a variety of websites from across the world (see bibliography).

This manual is the result of the work done throughout the project. We hope it will provide community-based agencies with some tools they can use and also some insights into how other programs in Ontario, Canada and beyond involve their volunteers in literacy assessment.

To help make the manual a useful resource, we have included a variety of sample forms in Appendix 4 and Appendix 5. Programs may photocopy and use these forms, although we do ask that you give credit to the program source where indicated. These forms are also included in the companion CD-ROM and may be edited and revised to suit individual agencies.

In addition to this manual, CLO also produced a series of four tutor bulletins that were distributed to agencies throughout 2001. The bulletins have been reproduced in Appendix 3 of the manual and are also available on the CD-ROM. As with the forms, programs are free to reproduce and distribute the bulletins as they see fit.