Empowering Rural Communities Through an Enriched Literacy Program

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Home and Cultural Environments

Abstract

Strong language and literacy skills are related to academic achievement, self-agency, and better quality of life. Research indicates that both school and family literacy practices contribute to children’s language and literacy development and that parental involvement in school-related activities are one of the key factors in achieving educational goals. Based on this knowledge, a literacy enrichment program was implemented at three rural schools in Colombia. This paper describes the implementation of this program and investigates changes in school and family literacy practices one year after its implementation and its impact on students’ academic performance and on teachers’ pedagogical knowledge. Data was gathered through family questionnaires, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and language and literacy tests.

Author

• Gloria Ramirez, Thompson Rivers University