Effects of Even Start on Family Literacy: Local and National Comparisons. Report No. 35.

A study evaluated one local Even Start project, using the results of the final report of the "National Evaluation of the Even Start Family Literacy Program" for comparisons where possible. The clearest result of the national evaluation is that the amount or intensity of service is directly related to the strength of effects for both adults and children. Results for the Frederick County, Maryland's Even Start project show that 18 participants significantly improved their literacy skills, averaging a 6-point gain on the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) functional reading survey. Nine participants now are ready to take their General Education Degree (GED) exam or have received their GED. Program effects on children were not assessed due to a number of constraints, primarily the wide age range of children served and the inconsistent attendance of the children. However, children of parents in the Frederick County Even Start project are now much more likely to be exposed at home and in the community to literacy related activities, including visiting the library with their parent, checking out books, and spending more time in literacy-related parent-child activities. Findings suggest that the Frederick County Even Start project developed an effective collaborative network for both the provision of project services and as source of referral for other family needs. The project was able to reduce most of the common barriers cited by parents of preschool children to their participation in adult education. (Contains 46 references, 6 tables, and 2 figures of data.) (Author/RS)