Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is family literacy?

2. Why is family literacy important?

3. Why does Massachusetts need family literacy?

4. Who benefits from family literacy?

5. Who provides family literacy?

6. How can I help start family literacy in my community?

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1. What is family literacy?

Family literacy is a family education model which helps break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by improving the educational opportunities of families. Family literacy builds on the strengths and addresses the needs of parents and their children. The Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium defines family literacy as coordinated learning among different generations in the same family which helps both adults and children reach their full personal, social, and economic potential.

Many family literacy models exist, ranging from simple family literacy activities such as parents and children reading together to comprehensive family literacy programs. A comprehensive family literacy program often includes components such as:

• Adult education

• Age appropriate education for children

• Parents and children learning together (PACT)

• Parenting skills

• Home visits to reinforce learning at home

In Massachusetts, Head Start and early childhood programs, Adult and Community Learning Services, Title I, libraries, and private funders provide family literacy programs.

Please address any questions or comments to MFLC@doe.mass.edu

Last Updated: September 15, 2002