Outlines the benefits of Goal Attainment Scaling, which involves setting measurable short- and long-term goals, developing a scale, and defining indicators. Demonstrates its use in a program to train college students as volunteer literacy tutors and in a family literacy program. (SK)

Notes how the family literacy movement, which emphasizes respect for diversity and the cultural heritage of participants, is gaining momentum. Considers how the art of storytelling provides an excellent vehicle for promoting and enhancing language and literacy development within families. (SG)

Analysis of 291 surveys representing preschool children considered at risk, with special education needs, or with no developmental delays revealed several intergroup differences. Respondents for children with special education needs placed the lowest priority on literacy development, had the lowest expectations for their children's future, and…

Presents results of a study of the home literacy experiences of three Dominican preschool children in New York City and examines the implications for educational practice. Data suggest that children found print materials an interesting part of their world, and that they engaged in literacy play and also explored literacy while watching television…

Family literacy is frequently taken to mean involving parents in helping to teach their children school-type literacy tasks in the home (for example, Hannon, 2000; Poulson Macleod Bennett, and Wray, 1996). This article presents the case for an alternative approach to family and community involvement in school-based literacy tasks by drawing on the…

Teenage pregnancy is an issue receiving a growing amount of attention in the United States, with approximately one million children born to teenage mothers annually. Teen mothers tend to function less effectively in numerous realms than their peers who delay child-rearing, and the children of teen mothers are at greater risk of school failure. In…

The promise to raise literacy standards significantly at age 11 in economically disadvantaged areas has been an important part of the present British Government's educational policy. Integral to this promise has been the introduction of official homeschool contracts or agreements, which oblige parents to engage in specific literacy activities with…

Three assumptions frame this study (a) preservice teachers who enjoy reading foster positive attitudes towards reading, (b) life-long reading habits are developed during formative years, and (c) these preservice teachers convey reading strategies that encourage success across content strands. This study examines the relationship between literacy…

Now in its third edition, the "Handbook of Research on Teaching the English Language Arts"--sponsored by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English--offers an integrated perspective on the teaching of the English language arts and a comprehensive overview of research in the field. Prominent…

Currently, the United States participates in four international assessments: the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which assesses reading performance in grade 4; the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which assesses the reading, mathematics, and science literacy of 15-year-olds; the Trends in International…

The structure of the American family has changed over the years. Although the traditional father, mother, child structure still dominates, other family patterns are emerging. In this article the authors present: (1) current statistics relating to diverse family structures; (2) reasons for using diverse family structure literature with children;…

A practicum was designed to increase participation of families in home-school literacy activities. The school was located in a suburban village in the northeastern United States. Data indicated that many families of first- and second-grade minority students who were bused to the school for integration purposes were not participating in home-school…

As part of a larger Australian study on family literacy, this study obtained information about a wide range of family or community literacy initiatives currently in operation in Australia. The study was interested in how the language and literacy learning of students from a variety of schools and communities was influenced by the involvement of…

A study examined Ohio Even Start programs and their attempts to create integrated curricula within their programs. A survey was sent to all Even Start programs. Results indicated that: (1) most of the programs defined their integrated curricula in terms of the themes they designated as focal points (such as consumer skills, child discipline,…

Predicated on the idea that one of the best ways to support individuals' book sharing with a special child in their lives is to establish a family book sharing group with people in the community, this book offers specific suggestions for organizing such a group and provides plans for at least six gatherings. According to the book, this book…