This is a revised version of a document originally published in 2000.
It includes a series of checklists stakeholders can use to plan, develop, assess, and improve programs. The checklists deal with program philosophy; community partnership and collaboration; funding; staffing and volunteers; safety and liability; program planning; participant recruitment and support; access; program facilitation; learner assessment; and program evaluation.
Each checklist contains a series of statements that users either agree or disagree with, or designate as not applicable. For example, the section on access contains statements about whether the program location is accessible to those with physical disabilities, and whether it is served by public transit.
There is also space provided to write down observations and reflections about each issue.
The authors note that while organizations delivering family literacy are as diverse as the communities they serve, the standards presented here are rooted in a collective understanding of what it means to be effective in family literacy practice.
They can be used to raise awareness of effective practices; guide program development; serve as a framework for writing grant proposals; train new staff; and provide a framework for accountability.
