Defining Immigrant Family Literacy
Revised March 9, 2005, by the Immigrant Family Literacy Alliance
Family literacy has been defined in many ways. In New York City, we have drawn from the federal definition to articulate the goals of programs that provide specialized services for immigrant families. These programs are as diverse as the communities they serve, responding to their needs in the most effective ways possible. While respecting that diversity, our definition of immigrant family literacy identifies themes common to existing and future programs throughout the city.
Immigrant Family Literacy
Immigrant family literacy enhances the English language proficiency of new arrivals to this country while including the primary language as a research-based strategy that supports English language development. At the same time, it equips them with other skills essential to taking full advantage of the many cultural, educational, employment, health care, and housing opportunities available in New York City. It exposes parents to new formal and informal learning experiences they can share with their children, strengthening parent/child relationships. It increases the ability of parents to navigate the school system, and become better advocates for their children within it; to show their children new examples of success; to join other families in formal and informal learning experiences; and to participate more fully in a multilingual/multicultural environment.
Components of immigrant family literacy may include English as a second language (ESL), adult basic education; GED preparation; parenting classes; activities for parents and children together; and age-appropriate education opportunities for children, such as early childhood education.
Like all family literacy programs, immigrant family literacy is most effective when it identifies and draws upon existing strengths and resources of participating families. In the case of immigrants, these usually include linguistic, cultural and family resources; a supportive community; and the extraordinary courage and resilience required to seek a better life in a new land.