The second key area for future research involves an evaluation of family literacy programs. Longitudinal research can track family literacy program participants to identify continued involvement in literacy learning and the long term effects of programs on Alberta’s next generation. This type of research would gather quantitative and qualitative data from parents and children regarding parental attitudes about literacy, communication with children and participation in family literacy programs. Cohorts could be tracked according to the first program attended; children whose first family literacy program is Books for Babies can be compared with other groups of children who attend this program later and with groups of children whose first family literacy program is B.O.O.K.S. This research would strengthen the importance of families in literacy activities.

Another project would involve an evaluation of the Literacy Classroom on Wheels (C.O.W. Bus) program. The project would involve a formative evaluation of the reach, quality and utilization of the program and a summative evaluation of the outcomes of the program. Positive results can be used to support requests for program funding.

There is a greater need for research on the effects of family interaction and modeling on family literacy behaviors and skills.

The lack of research in these two areas—family literacy in the workplace and family literacy program effectiveness—provides many opportunities to explore family literacy issues in Alberta and effective methods to help Alberta’s next generation maximize its potential.