(Note: Interviews and the release are available in Spanish.)
Newswise — The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) " the organization that pioneered the concept of raising the literacy level of parents and children simultaneously " today announced five new cities in the Toyota Family Literacy Program (TFLP).
Today's new cities are Las Cruces, N.M.; Las Vegas; Long Beach, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Springdale, Ark. That brings the total number of TFLP cities to 25 and represents an additional $3 million investment from Toyota in the program, which is the first nationwide project of its kind to focus on the needs of Hispanic and other immigrant families. Since 1991, Toyota's commitment to NCFL programming has exceeded $36 million.
Created by NCFL in 2003, TFLP increases basic language and literacy skills among Hispanic and other immigrant families, and provides parents with the skills they need to help their children succeed in school. It serves children in kindergarten to third grade and their parents.
TFLP is unique because it not only brings parents and children together in a classroom but also includes programming that is culturally relevant to the populations served.
Statistics show the investment couldn't come at a better time. The nation's largest and fastest growing minority group is also the only one that has experienced a decline in literacy in the last 15 years " contributing to Hispanic dropout rates that are four times higher than those for whites. However, the dropout rate for Hispanic students who speak English well is only 16 percent, compared to 59 percent for Hispanics who do not.
Results from the TFLP programs already implemented include:"¢ Significant literacy gains by adults with 54 percent improving literacy scores by at least one level. This has contributed to an improved understanding of basic oral and written instructions in English, reading a note from a teacher, setting up a doctor's appointment, and displaying basic computer literacy skills (word processing and sending email);"¢ Children in the program exceeded peers in such areas as academic performance (79 percent), motivation to learn (86 percent), attendance (96 percent), classroom behavior (91 percent), and involvement in classroom activities (88 percent)."¢ 92 percent of parents stating they are better able to help their child with homework; and"¢ 91 percent of parents stating their child's grades have improved.
"NCFL has pioneered a proven formula and delivery of family literacy services that not only works for the participants, but for the betterment of the communities," said Sharon Darling, president and founder of NCFL. "The program's expansion into 25 cities is a result of the impressive gains made by the thousands of TFLP participants since 2003."
NCFL also announced today that Toyota will fund another round of five cities for the program, for a total of 30 cities. Those applications will be accepted in December and awarded in 2009.
"The expansion of the Toyota Family Literacy Program into 25 cities since 2003 is a tribute to NCFL and educators throughout the nation who have made it a success," said Patricia Pineda, group vice president, philanthropy, at Toyota Motor North America. "Through the dedication of NCFL, we have seen first-hand how the program has improved the literacy skills of thousands of children and their parents across the nation."
Since its inception in 2003, the Toyota Family Literacy Program has been implemented in large and small cities " those with a long history of large Hispanic populations and ones that are seeing a new influx of immigrants. The 25 cities are:
ChicagoWashington Los Angeles New York Providence, R.I.Chelsea, Mass.Denver Detroit Santa Paula, Calif.Shelby County, Ala.Chula Vista, Calif.Orlando, Fla.San Antonio
Wichita, Kan.Winston-Salem, N.C.Salt Lake City Burien/Seattle Mesa, Ariz.Miami Oakland, Calif.Las Vegas Las Cruces, N.M.Long Beach, Calif.Memphis, Tenn.Springdale, Ark. ABOUT NCFL:The National Center for Family Literacy, founded in 1989, is the worldwide leader in family literacy. More than 1 million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL's work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers. For more information, contact 1-877-FAMLIT-1 or visit http://www.famlit.org.
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