Free Resources
Publications from NCFL
Recruitment & Retention for Literacy Programs Kit — $55
Tools, resources and guidance that every literacy program needs! This kit includes a guidebook filled with straightforward ideas for engaging students and keeping them motivated. Also comes with posters, postcards and bookmarks in English and Spanish that programs can customize to increase community visibility, and it includes a CD-Rom with useful forms and templates. (2005)
Recruitment & Retention Guidebook — $26
Strategies culled from practitioners working in the field are highlighted throughout this guide, which also examines adult motivation, goal setting, tips for planning recruitment events and much more. (Included as part of the Recruitment & Retention for Literacy Programs Kit listed above.) (2005)
Stories of Impact: Improving Parent Involvement Through Family Literacy in the Elementary School — $14
Examines how family literacy impacts children’s outcomes by increasing parent involvement and helping parents improve their own language and literacy skills. Also provides real program examples of blended funding opportunities, plus student and teacher success stories from the Toyota Families in Schools program, a five-year initiative implemented in 45 Title I schools. (2004)
Work-Focus Strategies for Family Literacy Programs — $19
This comprehensive publication traces the history, research and implementation behind educational initiatives to move adults from welfare to work. For practitioners and administrators alike, the book explores curriculum content adaptations and offers a wealth of hands-on resources and tools drawn from work-focused programs. (2003)
Pathways: A Primer for Family Literacy Program Design and Development — $21
This practical guide explores the steps for starting and maintaining a quality family literacy program, from initial community assessment to strategies for ongoing success that include evaluation, recruitment and retention, and raising public awareness. Offers both new and experienced practitioners insights to program planning. (2000)
The Family Literacy Answer Book — $49
This comprehensive guidebook for teachers and administrators of family literacy programs is the definitive reference on family literacy curriculum development, the four components of a comprehensive program, component integration, home visits and more. (1997)
Outcomes and Measures for Family Literacy Programs, 2nd Edition — $19
This useful resource for practitioners and administrators contains descriptions of more than 80 measurement tools for use with both adults and children. New to this expanded edition are summaries of assessments that focus on children grades K-6, reading assessments, and employment and work place preparation assessments. (2001)
Keeping the Circle Strong: Family Literacy and the FACE Program for American Indians — $7
This booklet outlines the success of family literacy’s longest running program—the Family and Child Education (FACE) Program, funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. The FACE program links culture and education within the context of family and provides promising practices relevant to all family literacy programs. (2002)
Fundamentals of Fundraising for Family Literacy Programs — $15
This guidebook provides easy-to-digest information about the funding process, from developing a case and defining objectives to gaining ongoing support from funders. Also offers an overview of public and private funding opportunities for family literacy, plus tip sheets and local program examples. (2002)
Take Action! A Guide to Advocacy and Raising Awareness for Family Literacy — $15
This how-to guide walks you through steps you can take to actively engage elected officials and other opinion makers in the work you do. Tips on planning site visits, writing to legislators and working with the media make this booklet a hands-on resource. (2002)
Order both Fundamentals of Fundraising and Take Action! and save $3! — $27
Creating Partnerships for Learning: Family Literacy in Elementary Schools — $7
This booklet examines the four components of comprehensive family literacy services in the context of the elementary school setting and offers guidance for integrating family literacy into the school culture, recruitment and retention ideas, and descriptions of key roles. (2001)
Toyota Families in Schools: Connecting Parents, Children and Schools — $3.50
An excellent introduction to incorporating family literacy into the elementary school setting, this booklet describes in detail the first year in this groundbreaking school reform project and includes examples from programs. (1999)
The Power of Family Literacy — $3.50
An excellent review of short- and long-term benefits to families who participate in family literacy programs, making the case for national family literacy efforts. (1996)