Return-Path: <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id g1BJOHu03918; Mon, 11 Feb 2002 14:24:17 -0500 (EST) Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 14:24:17 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <BF6236623E01D511B48A00508B48566D011183B2@EXCHANGE_SERVER> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Thomas, Catherine" <CThomas@uws.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:745] Re: Budget Request for Even Start X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2653.19) Status: O Content-Length: 2798 Lines: 61 Providing some citations - who is Hayes? -would be very helpful. -----Original Message----- From: nifl-family@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-family@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of MWPotts2001@aol.com Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 12:05 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:739] Re: Budget Request for Even Start Tony and others who are concerned about this issue: How many of you watched Laura Bush on C-Span when she made her eloquent plea for more dollars, more attention and more action by Congress and the nation regarding the need for early childhood education? Surely the President agrees with her, so why the reduction in funds? Is it because we have not gone far enough to prove that Even Start and other Family Literacy Programs have measures of accountability and performance indicators to demonstrate the growth of families in those traits and abilities that the Administration is seeking? Case in point: This morning the Arizona Republic features an article about a local family literacy program. Caption--An education for the family. While it does mention that parents study for their GED or adult education skills or English proficiency, it focuses on children who spend their morning reading out loud, singing, writing, painting and playing musical instruments. We all know that these are literacy producing and enhancing events, but does Congress (or the general public) know that? I found no mention of the differences that such early childhood education makes in the lives of these children. So, my message to program providers is this: Yes, invite gatekeepers and policy people and newspaper reporters into your sites, but please share with them that you are providing scientifically based, quality early childhood education in tandem with research-based adult education that supports family learning. Point out the significant research (from Hayes and others) that when Even Start children reach second and third grade, they are equal to or above the average children in their classrooms on academic and social measures. Have your own quality measures and outcomes printed on flyers that you can distribute to those who make these decisions regarding your program's future. Betsy's suggestion about having the adults in your program write their own letters is a very good one. If you are working with EFF Adult Education St andards, focus for a while on two critical communication skills: Convey Ideas in Writing and Speak So Others Can Understand. They will produce eloquence on their own behalf. So, while my blood pressure is high this morning, so is my faith in the Even Start Program providers and the families they serve. We can reverse this projected loss of funds. Let's just do it. Meta Potts Glendale, Arizona
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