Ed465 074 - A Decade of Family Literacy - Programs, Outcomes, and Future Prospects. Information Series (Paperback, Annotated edition)

This paper reviews and synthesizes reports about family literacy programs and practices, focusing on outcomes for adult learners. Emphasis is on resources available in the ERIC database beginning in 1990. Section 1 on programs reviews sometimes conflicting definitions of family literacy and finds that a common thread is strengthening intergenerational literacy and preparing parents and caregivers for their role as children's first teachers. It discusses policy and funding issues at federal and state levels and addresses these three issues critical to family literacy program success: staff quality, curricular assumptions and instructional practices, and collaboration within and outside programs. Section 2 describes kinds of assessment models used for participants and programs and discusses these outcomes documented in research: increased adult academic, social, and job skills and employment possibilities; higher enrollment in early childhood education; gains in school readiness; parents as positive role models for doing academic work and persisting in the face of difficulties; children's increased interest in literacy activities; improved home literacy environments; and closer family relationships. Section 3 summarizes the findings by describing a prototype of a successful family literacy program and highlighting areas needing additional research. Appendixes include a research matrix with purpose, scope, and design of 35 studies; an annotated list of 21 family literacy websites; and a map of Even Start programs. (Contains 58 references.).