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

National Evaluation of The Even Start Family Literacy Program: 1998

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Even Start Family Literacy Program addresses the basic educational needs of parents and children of low-income families. This national program was designed to provide adult, parenting, and early childhood education as integrated services to families. Even Start offers (1) adult basic or secondary education and literacy programs for parents; (2) parenting education to assist parents in actively and effectively promoting their children?s development; and (3) early childhood education for the children.

Since its inception in 1989, the program has undergone significant changes. The number of projects has grown from seventy-six in 1989 to 637 in 1997. To monitor development of this program, the law that authorizes Even Start mandates a national evaluation of all Even Start projects. Information collected annually provides feedback that is useful to local projects, state and federal administrators, legislators, and policymakers for program improvement and policy development. This information also contributes to the knowledge base on the effects of family literacy programs by investigating the relationships between program processes and outcomes.

The first national evaluation documented the program?s development from 1989 to 1993 and provided an early, short-term assessment of its effectiveness (St.Pierre et al., 1995). The second national evaluation covering the next four program years?1993-94 to 1996-97?continued to monitor the course of program development. While continuing to pursue the same basic research questions, the second evaluation employed a revised data collection form and study design to further expand the existing knowledge base regarding this fast-growing demonstration program.

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[Executive Summary]
[Part 2
The Even Start Program: Legislation and Administration]