A logit models analysis shows that access to university education in Spain is significantly affected by family income. Lower family income is associated with shorter degree programs; higher family income is associated with longer degree programs and higher degrees. A more determining factor is family cultural and educational level. Scholarships…

Describes a literature conference for the Harlem community on choosing and using self-affirming books for African American children. Describes Grandma's Place, a literacy and parent support center with an array of multicultural literature. Describes programs and activities that seek to support literacy, strengthen the family, and provide access to…

This study initiated inquiry regarding family and community literacies of children in British Columbia. The study applied descriptive and correlational statistics to large-scale assessment data from generalizable regional samples in the province and found distinctive regional portraits. Findings suggest that educators should go beyond information…

Describes the collaborative process and the lessons learned when the staff of a family-literacy program and an evaluator worked together to design and implement a portfolio assessment that was used to collect program-evaluation information for the Even Start program over two years. Discusses opportunities to collaborate in the development of this…

Examines specific effects of home literacy on the development of word decoding and reading comprehension from first through third grade. Results reveal that parents' instructional and social-emotional quality had an effect on the development of reading comprehension, but not on word decoding. (Contains 62 references and 4 tables.) (GCP)

Aims to build upon the existing home literacy practices of a group of three- and four-year-old children living in the United Kingdom. Develops literacy materials and resources which could be borrowed from nursery and used within the home to promote children's literacy development. Indicates that much of children's reading was focused on popular…

This article, in response to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), is based in the belief that members of an educational community must collaboratively reflect and act on issues to develop a truly effective program. NCLB calls for sweeping reforms in education. The main focus of the reform plan is on creating "stronger accountability…

Utilizing an effective literacy program as a case study, the social-constructivist approach to family literacy is discussed in this article. The role of literacy programs as mentor to the apprentice family and the consequent transformation of family to child-mentor is described. Through review of an effective faintly literacy program, it is…

Research indicates that both home literacy activities and direct instruction of reading skills promote reading development. The current study investigates how parent-led direct teaching activities impact emergent literacy. Preschool children (n = 47) were administered subtests from the Test of Early Reading Ability-3 and the Kaufman Survey of…

When viewed through the lens of critical pedagogy, children's literature offers a viable avenue for tapping the "funds of knowledge" abounding in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. It is an effective means for promoting dialogue, arousing critical consciousness, and facilitating the "coming to voice" of…

For educators interested in engaging in critical literacy work with families and schools, the efforts can be both exhilarating and exasperating. Reflecting on a two-year family literacy project, we consider the possibilities and pitfalls of the projects' design and implementation. The work described in this article takes a stance that is both…

Background: This study is the follow-up in early adolescence of children born to families with a history of dyslexia ( Gallagher, Frith, & Snowling, 2000). Methods: Fifty young people with a family history of dyslexia and 20 young people from control families were assessed at 12-13 years on a battery of tests of literacy and language skills, and…

A case study evaluated the effectiveness of the Even Start family literacy project, which integrates within a single continuum of service three formerly separate curricular components: adult education, early childhood education, and parent education. A series of case study interviews were conducted over a 4-year period with 11 adult participants…

This Congressional hearing discussed the issue of reform of adult education and family literacy legislation. Testimony includes oral and written statements of U.S. senators and individuals representing the following: U.S. Department of Education; National Institute for Literacy; Dallas Can! Academy, Dallas, Texas; Pima County Adult Education,…

Providing a much needed window into children's home lives and learnings, uncovering multiple literacies that need to be valued in their own right, this book shows how familial influences on children lead them to develop particular strengths and describes the features of home learning that teachers should understand and consider. The book tells the…