The First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative for Texas

A Program of The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1996-2008

The First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas 2007-2008 Grant Program Accomplishments (Moore, Peebler, Smith, 2008)

• Over $3 million awarded to 129 family literacy programs in thirteen years.
• Programs funded in 66 different cities across the state.
• Thousands of families actively participated in these family literacy programs.
• Families in these programs now read more often to their children and some who never read to their children are now doing so. Families report that they enjoyed the parent and child together time and the children seemed to crave the time spent with their parents reading books together.
• Families in these programs are using the library for the first time or are using the library more often.
• Parents in the programs are becoming more involved in day-to-day school activities of their children.
• Adults in the programs are showing gains in their own reading abilities. Many of the adults have requested help in learning English and are improving these skills. Others are working to prepare for or have passed the GED and report finding better job prospects.
• Program directors consistently report that adults who attend literacy classes regularly are learning and are extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn English.
• Teachers have commented that children who have attended a family literacy program are better prepared for school.
• Parents in the family literacy programs were committed to work hard for their children's future, thus gaining a sense of accomplishment and hope through their efforts.
• Many parents go on to obtain more stable employment and further education, sometimes working in their children's schools as classroom assistants.
• Families in the family literacy programs report that they are spending more time than before in reading activities - and that they and their children are ENJOYING IT!

For more information on The First Lady's Family Literacy Initiative for Texas or The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy please contact Pat Peebler at ppeebler@mcnairgrp.com or visit Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning, the website for the initiative's Technical Assistance Coordinator.