Family Literacy: An Annotated Bibliography

Among the reasons for growth in family literacy programs are the expansion of knowledge about how children learn, the need to involve parents and families more directly in programs for young children, and evidence supporting the relationship between parental education levels and children's school success. Intergenerational literacy programs are seen as addressing many of these concerns. This annotated bibliography summarizes writings and research on family literacy and on topics directly relevant to family literacy programs. The bibliography has two main parts. Part A covers topics directly related to family literacy programs in the areas of conceptual issues (definitions, models, and overviews of family literacy), studies related to family literacy programs and practices, program descriptions, program development, assessment, evaluation procedures, and curriculum and instruction. Part B of the bibliography includes topics that have implications for family literacy, drawing articles and reports from many disciplines. These related topics include emergent literacy, parent-child interactions, adult literacy, and home and school issues. All of the publications reviewed in the bibliography are readily available to the public; sources range from published studies to reports from the government, foundations, and research organizations. (HTH)