The concept of family literacy is firmly rooted in a substantial research base from several disciplines, including adult literacy, emergent literacy, child development, and systems analysis. Results from a review of research from each discipline found answers to questions about benefits of family literacy. Results show family literacy programs do…

A think tank on researching family literacy was held to brainstorm a national research agenda for family literacy. The think tank brought together 12 researchers, policymakers, and practitioners involved in family literacy. Key themes emerging during the think tank were as follows: (1) family literacy is difficult to research because it is…

The Fairfax County Family Literacy Curriculum is designed to be used in a multi-level adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) family literacy class. There are four modules to choose from: Introductory (self, family, and community); Government (schools and community); Health (medicine and stress); and Consumerism (shopping and making a…

A study explored how adults perceived program learning; whether program learning helped them enact a particular social role; and whether they changed while participating in the program. For a year or more, researchers studied experiences of learning and change of 41 adult learners enrolled in three programs--at a community college, family literacy…

This publication incorporates information for developing the Learning with East Aurora Families (LEAF) family literacy program model as well as specific activity ideas for program components. It is divided into eight parts which include: (1) staff job descriptions; (2) early childhood curriculum; (3) adult basic education curriculum; (4) English…

This book presents 22 personal narratives in which library directors, program administrators, teachers, tutors, librarians, and adult learners explain firsthand how literacy programs at libraries across the United States have changed people's lives. The following narratives are included: "Gloria's Story: 'She Wanted Me to Be Somebody'";…

This guide, which is intended for administrators of programs providing adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) services in Pennsylvania, contains 59 individually authored papers devoted to planning, managing, and improving ABLE programs. The following are among the topics discussed in the guide's five sections: understanding the role of the ABLE…

This textbook/sourcebook and accompanying trainer's guide, which were issued as part of a project to republish important staff development project reports/materials, are updated and repackaged versions of a staff development curriculum in adult literacy and learning. The first part of the sourcebook contains 20 "keys" or quick overviews…

This bibliography is designed: (1) to bring information together on research on family roles in literacy acquisition and on parent involvement programs; and (2) to present a range of models, resources, and approaches that English family literacy program designers, curriculum developers, and teachers can use in developing their own programs. The…

This book provides guidance on developing an effective evaluation plan for adult English language programs, whether in the context of family literacy, workplace and workforce literacy, or general language development. With an emphasis on surveys, interviews, observation measures, and performance samples, the authors show how staff members and…

This paper attempts to raise awareness and stimulate debate about the family as a focus for developing learning in the United Kingdom (U.K.). The discussion focuses on the following aspects of the issue: the nature and scope of family learning; families as a place for learning; context; development of family learning; patterns of provision;…

This project was a pilot project utilizing computers and CD-ROM drives and software to implement a combined English as a Second Language and Family Literacy curriculum for limited English proficient (LEP) adults. It is intended for teachers, tutors, volunteers, and program directors who may be interested in using high-tech for their own ESL/Family…

The Home English Literacy for Parents (H.E.L.P.) Project and curriculum were developed and implemented in a variety of school programs in the northwest suburban Chicago area. Project services were offered to parents for 5 hours a week at 7 school sites. The curriculum was intended for implementation in a typical adult English-as-a-Second-Language…

Conference papers are presented from a meeting that was convened in order to provide an opportunity for practitioners and experts in the fields of literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and parental involvement to discuss issues of importance in the implementation of educational programs for adults and out-of-school youth. The conference…