PUB TYPE Reports Evaluative (142)

Pennsylvania's family literacy programs were subjected to a statewide evaluation in 1999-2000. Data were collected through focus groups with parents, a survey of staff in community agencies and organizations, and analyses of program data and the findings of selected assessments administered to adults and children involved in the program. Pennsylvania's family literacy programs were credited with improving adult participants' basic skills and helping them achieve personal goals, enabling their children to meet parents ' expectations, helping parents to support their children's literacy development, and giving families access to support services. The children of participating parents entered school ready to learn and were successful in school. However, program impacts on family economic status were mixed. Selected recommendations were as follows: (1) have family literacy providers identify and address changes in their communities that affect delivery of family literacy services; (2) provide family literacy wit