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| Family Intergenerational-Interaction Literacy Model (FILM). A family literacy program that works with all family members to increase the educational level of disadvantaged parents and children. |
Audience All significant family members (i.e., mothers, fathers, and extended family) and their preschool children from culturally diverse environments, including high school drop outs and first generation immigrant families, who need education in basic school curriculum and parenting strategies.
Description FILM is a center and home-based program designed to work with family members to improve basic literacy, employment and parenting skills so they can better achieve educational, economic, social and family goals. During the school year, the project concurrently provides literacy services to parents and early childhood education to their children. Through the Adult Interaction classes, parents experience large and small learning groups, as well as interactive and self-directed learning through ABE, GED or ESL classes twelve hours per week while their children are in the Early Learning Center nearby. Parents also participate in Parenting Interaction Discussion Groups one hour per week. The Parent/Child Interaction Playgroup is a one hour session each week. Parents and children participate in a one hour Home Visit Interaction with a parent facilitator every week. MODELS (Model, Observe, Discuss, Explore, integrate Life skills, and celebrate Success), a teaching for success strategy, is integrated throughout the five elements of the program. FILM addresses National Educational Goals 1, 6 and 8.
Evidence of Effectiveness Three claims of effectiveness were evaluated in the areas of adult, preschool and parenting education. Results showed that FILM compares very favorably with other adult education programs in promoting academic achievement and GED acquisition. Preschoolers who participated in the Early Learning Center consistently scored higher on school readiness indicators than the comparison population; and teachers in advanced educational settings ranked FILM preschool graduates higher in academic performance and social skills than their peers. The positive results of parent education effectiveness were validated by student interviews, staff observation, written evaluation tools, and teacher reports of parent involvement in their child(ren)'s education.
Requirements It is recommended that all five FILM components be replicated: (1) Adult Interaction Education; (2) Parent Discussion Group; (3) Home Visit Interaction; (4) Parent/Child Interaction Playgroup; and (5) Early Learning Center. The comprehensive program requires a strong commitment to the philosophy of integrated planning by the staff.
Costs Awareness materials are available upon request at no cost. The training program recommended for adopters is a five day in-depth training with two or three trainers which will include a workshop for teachers as well as special assistance for administrators. Training fees will include $250 per day honorarium, travel, lodging and meals. Materials cost will be $60 per adopting site. Training materials will be provided at no cost to initial demonstration sites.
Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. Project personnel and certified trainers are available to conduct awareness meetings at project site, adopter sites or conferences. Visitors are welcome at project site by appointment. Training is available at project site or adopter sites. Implementation, follow-up and evaluation services are available to adopters.
Developmental Funding: U.S. ED Even Start Funding.
PEP No. 94-2 (4/1/94)
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[High/Scope K-3 Curriculum]