A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Foreword

Never before has education been more important to the well-being of the U.S. family, the fate of the country's economy, and the vitality of American democracy. No matter our age or socio-economic status, we all confront dramatic social, cultural, technological, and individual changes that demand more and better education for all. As a result of change and challenge, states are raising their academic standards; the workplace is fast becoming an increasingly sophisticated and technologically complex experience that requires the improvement of basic skills and the development of new skills. Daily life, then, demands, as never before, full literacy for all family members.

The U.S. Department of Education, under the leadership of Secretary Richard Riley, has supported and expanded reforms designed to broaden every family's access to education. From pre-school programs to adult education, and family literacy programs such as Even Start, we have worked with state and local governments, with the business community, and with health care organizations, to bring to all of our country's citizens a better quality of life through better education.

The Department's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) plays a critical role in this campaign. One of our jobs is to produce research and information on innovative programs and practices, including substantive, creative, "user-friendly" research that is especially important in the emerging field of family literacy. Our goal is to accelerate progress toward the day when the family is a miniature learning community in which there is shared devotion to helping one another to enhance family skills in reading, writing, numeracy, communication, and problem solving. Should families beset by difficulties and deprivations be unable to master these essential skills adequately, family literacy programs offer opportunity, support, and hope; and research aids in identifying the most effective means of helping family members to help one another by nourishing the potential of every family member--and fostering the conditions that promote both intellectual and emotional growth.

This publication represents an important step in developing a family literacy research agenda. It shows that the key consensus is the conviction that we must close the chasm between research and practice.

Sharon P. Robinson
Assistant Secretary
Office of Educational Research and Improvement

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[Title Page]

[Acknowledgments]