These findings contribute to the developing framework and support the application of a sociocultural approach and the use of critical theory to provide a strong framework for understanding the complex nature of family literacy. Since richer data were collected from those interviewed in their homes, compared to schools, home interviews were used for gathering data from parents in the present study. Based on recommendations from the pilot study, four additional data collection measures, a parent questionnaire, school observation, parent-child interaction and parent journals were added for the research study. Although Ross, Rideout and Carson (1994) warn that journal writing might be problematic with those who have poor writing skills, or who are careless or unmotivated, this technique held potential for the proposed study since preliminary pilot data revealed frequent writing within the daily routine among all of the participants, regardless of educational level (R. Rubin, 1997).

Gaining Entry

Following approval of my study by the University of Ottawa Ethics Committee, I submitted a written request with a copy of my research proposal to The Director of Education for the school district seeking endorsement of my study. This is contained in Appendix A. I was then invited to make a short presentation to the school district supervisor with the mandate for research projects. Once approval was attained at that level, I met with the school principal from one of the two schools involved in my pilot study. She readily authorized me to involve her school in my research.

I chose this particular school for my study for several reasons. First, students from this school score among the lowest in the school district in their language arts achievement in provincial standardized testing. Second, I wanted to separate my professional role in the school district with my researcher role and chose a school where I had never worked and knew only a few of the staff. Third, the school already made a commitment to improving student literacy by undertaking a few unique literacy initiatives. The principal expressed interest in offering support for my study in the hopes of furthering the school's understanding of influences on the children's literacy that occur outside of the school. The school staff also welcomed me as a researcher attempting to help them to better comprehend what forces in society influence how these low-income families act.