Even Start
September 01, 2008
Even Start utilizes a family-centered education model that improves the academic achievement of young children and the literacy skills of their parents in order to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Texas Even Start programs serve families that are the most economically disadvantaged and have the lowest levels of adult literacy in the state. In 2006-07, 99% of parents participating had less than a ninth grade education; 69% of the participating parents were between the ages of 25-44. Even Start integrates all of the following activities into a unified family literacy program:
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Interactive literacy activities between parents and their children that transfer educational concepts and values into the home and family |
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Training for parents on how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in the education of their children |
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Parent literacy education including GED classes or English as a second language classes that leads to economic self-sufficiency |
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Age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences |
Texas Even Start Family Literacy dollars are currently being used to provide scientific research-based, year-round, instructional activities and enrichment services.
An eligible Even Start family
must qualify for free and reduced lunch under Title I, have at
least one parent who either needs a GED/high school diploma or has
not yet mastered English, and have at least one child under the age
of 8. School-aged parents are also eligible to participate with
their children in Even Start as long as the local school district
provides the basic education component for the parent.
Region 9 partnering school districts include Bowie ISD and Wichita
Falls ISD. Community partners include the Wichita Falls Housing
Authority, Wichita Falls Boys & Girls Club, Head Start, Bowie
Public Library, Wichita Falls and Bowie Literacy Councils, and
Rotary of Wichita Falls.
Katie Wolf, Education
Specialist.
