Family Literacy

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In Texas, there are nearly 3.4 million individuals functioning at or below the literacy level, and more than 1.4 million are categorized as being limited English proficient. Research has long demonstrated a strong correlation between parental reading and children's later success with literacy in Texas Classrooms. The nature and dynamics of the interaction between parent and child at reading time matters a good deal -- perhaps more than the mere fact that parent-child reading occurs.

Recent studies have focused on outcomes for children in Texas Classrooms who read often, compared to those children who struggle in the area of reading comprehension. Students who do more reading at home have higher reading and math scores. In addition, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) evaluations have found that achievement in school is consistently related to the number of reading materials in the home.

Helping low-literate adults improve their basic skills has a direct and measurable impact on both the education and quality of life of their children in Texas Classrooms. Further, children of adults who participate in literacy programs improve their grades and test scores, improve their reading skills, and are less likely to drop out. The Texas Education Agency has received a statewide Even Start Family Literacy Initiative grant to improve family literacy services by building the capacity of local providers to coordinate and integrate existing federal, state, and local resources.