A project explored the possibility of creating a collaborative approach to parent involvement with their children's education. Participants in the family literacy program were 19 African-American adolescent mothers from low-income backgrounds whose children attended an early intervention program. Parents' beliefs about learning and literacy were…

Noting that families from different socioeconomic status groups (SES) showed differences in their literacy-related practices, this study examined the importance of considering home literacy activities and parental beliefs on early literacy skills as a potential mediator of SES on early reading. Data were obtained from the base year dataset of the…

A study was conducted to determine the reading habits and attitudes of parents and their children and to determine parents' familiarity with Reading Rainbow (a television program intended to stimulate young children's interest in reading for pleasure) and their attitudes toward the program. A total of 707 questionnaires were completed by parents…

A study investigated whether the much publicized campaign geared to parents and teachers about reading aloud to children has had any impact on the U.S. public. Subjects, 236 parents and 17 teachers from an urban private school with a large Portuguese population, filled out questionnaires. Results indicated that parents have been influenced by the…

This report examines the effectiveness of elementary school-based family literacy programs and describes the first year evaluation of a middle-school-based family literacy program in Baltimore, Maryland. In section one it reviews the literature on adult education and early childhood intervention and proposes a hypothesis of the broad pathways by…

A practicum was designed to provide kindergarten students from low socioeconomic families with successful home literacy experiences in preparation for early school success. Parent/child literacy training workshops were designed and conducted to increase the awareness and frequency of home literacy activities. Providing regular reading aloud…

A study surveyed adults with literacy problems and evaluated the Parents-as-Partners-as-Learners project. Eighty English-speaking adults in the eastern townships of Quebec, Canada, were interviewed concerning their literacy problems. Results indicated that health and social problems were identified by the adults as the major impediment to…

The problem of illiteracy is intergenerational. Many parents lack the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to support their children's educational development. Our educational system must be changed so that it places equal priority on education for the child and on academic remediation for the parent. Family intervention programs do not address…

School readiness is important for children, for their families, and for society at large. The authors' exploration of school readiness focuses on how the home literacy environment, parenting behavior, and social characteristics affect two aspects of school readiness: basic skills, such as reading and math; and behavior problems, including…

A first stage evaluation of the Even Start Program of the Newark (New Jersey) public schools is presented. Even Start is an early childhood parental involvement program in its third year of implementation. Goals are to involve parents as active partners, to help children develop cognitively and affectively, and to improve adult literacy and…

A family-centered approach to improving the academic success of immigrant children is discussed and advocated, and illustrated with anecdotal statements of educators and parents. An educational agenda emphasizing parent involvement, support of literacy and other educational activities, intergenerational communication, and family strength and…

The benefits of family literacy programs for children were examined in a 1997 follow-up study in which 154 parents and 237 children who had participated in a family literacy demonstration program in 1994-1995 were interviewed along with the teachers of a subsample of the children and the demonstration program coordinators. The demonstration…

This report presents information on selected activities that preprimary children engage in with family members, based on the 1991 and 1993 National Household Education Surveys. Focusing on parent-child activities found to facilitate the development of literacy skills and the motivation to learn, the report examines (1) the changes between 1991 and…

Parental perspectives on family learning were examined through focus group discussions with parents who had participated in family learning courses at a nursery school, primary school, secondary school, and family support center in London, England. Five focus group discussions with a total of 25 family learning course participants, 2 in-depth…

This book identifies and analyzes research studies related to the critical skills, environments, and adult interactions that contribute to young children's literacy development. Following introductory remarks on the reformation that has emerged in the language and literacy education of young children, the chapters are: (1) "Teachers' Roles in…