The MFLC will use the money in several ways. First, it will design and implement a family literacy longitudinal evaluation. This seven-year study will follow three-, four- and five-year-old children enrolled in family literacy programs in Massachusetts through the completion of their first Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam and compare their scores against those of a comparison group. This study is intended to answer questions posed by state policy leaders about the impact of family literacy.

Indicators of Program Quality
Another key initiative is to develop, pilot, and refine Indicators of Program Quality for Family Literacy, which will then be used as standards and evaluation mechanisms for all family literacy programs in the state.

At the state level, each MFLC member agency will develop a plan to integrate family literacy and support approaches into its core policies and priorities. At the local level, the MFLC will work with five collaborations and award up to $10,000 for each community to promote and implement widespread family literacy and support services.

In February, Amy Park, formerly of the Lincoln Filene Center, became the MFLC Assistant Coordinator. Since March, three parent representatives joined the MFLC. Parent representatives give voice to the needs of families and the impact of programs. The MFLC still has funding to support the participation of one more parent representative in bimonthly meetings. For more information, or to request a parent representative nomination form, call Amy Park at 781-338-3876.

Kathy Rodriguez is the Coordinator of the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium. She can be reached by at the Massachusetts Department of Education, 781-338-3846, or by e-mail: krodriguez@doe.mass.edu