A Family Literacy Resource for All Tennesseans
Sponsored by
• The Tennessee Family Literacy Consortium
• State of Tennessee Department of Education
• University of Tennessee Center for Literacy Studies

Activities of the
Tennessee
Even Start
Statewide
Family Literacy
Initiative



Nov. 8 Summit Scores Critical Success!

To find a Family Literacy program near you by phone,
call toll-free
1-877-FAMLIT-1

Family Literacy Programs...

• aim to break the intergenerational cycle of low literacy skills and resulting poverty
• focus on both children and parents, with the family as the unit of service
• are community-based collaborations
• build solid community relationships to support families
• serve ESL learners, migrant families, and other families with distinct and special needs

Check these links to better understand the Family Literacy model and how it's being applied in Tennessee as well as nationwide...

Tennessee Dept. of Education, Office of Family Literacy Programs
An overview of the Family Literacy model as implemented in Tennessee: Even Start, the One-Room Drop-In Schoolhouse (ORDIS) program, and other family-oriented literacy programs. Want to sponsor Family Literacy in your locale? For a detailed understanding of what is required to apply for a grant to sponsor an Even Start site, check the Tennessee Even Start RFP. Annual grants are considered in the spring of each year.

University of Tennessee Center for Literacy Studies
UT's breakthrough literacy project.

National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL)
The authoritative Family Literacy resource. Search this site to find a family literacy program in your area. If you find your program isn't listed, it's easy to add it to the NCFL database...just complete the information online and send directly to NCFL.
National Even Start Association (NESA)
Training, conferences, legislative updates. A comprehensive site for the family literacy practitioner.
Even Start Statewide Family Literacy Initiative
A review of nationwide initiatives to improve and expand family literacy services.
It's Time to Read
It's Time to Read is a coalition to unite those interested in reading in Greater Memphis. The group promotes a love of reading by serving as a clearinghouse for reading activities and by promoting Its Time to Read events, with resources for the parent, student and teacher.
CIRCLE
The University of Texas at Houston's Center for Improving the Readiness of Children for Learning and Education.
Children's Defense Fund
An analysis of the condition of children and families in the United States, and a resource for those who want to help.