The National Reading Panel (NRP) reviewed quantitative reading research focusing on grades K-3 to identify methods leading to reading success. The following areas were identified as key areas in the process of beginning to read: (1) phonemic awareness; (2) phonics; (3) fluency; (4) vocabulary; and (5) comprehension. The research findings were synthesized into guidelines for providers of adult and family literacy programs. Selected recommendations were as follows: (1) adults at level 1, and perhaps at level 2, may benefit from phonemic awareness training; (2) parents in family literacy programs should understand the concept of phonemic awareness and its importance for their children's literacy learning; (3) phonics instruction should be systematic and should focus on reading print materials rather than on simply learning rules; (4) predictable familiar stories, repetitive language or phrases, and rhymes are useful for fluency development; (5) although some vocabulary can be learned indirectly, the mastery of other vocabulary requires explicit instruction in learning to use context clues and word derivations to decipher meanings; (6) activities effective in improving comprehension include writing response journals, retelling and evaluating texts, and holding discussions; and (7) teachers can evaluate the effectiveness of their own instruction by tracking instruction activities and learner progress for periods of time. (Contains 5 references.) (MN)