A 1991 study indicated that the overwhelming majority of mothers participating in adult education programs read to their children more often, helped their children with homework more often, and participated in school activities more often than they did before enrolling. A 1991 study showed that fathers who read recreationally had sons who read more and scored higher than boys whose fathers did little or no recreational reading. When parents are involved in their children's learning in school and at home, children do better in school and they stay in school longer. A 1991 study showed that participants in family literacy programs gain more than participants in programs that focus primarily on either adults or children. Participants in family literacy programs are more likely to continue in the programs, adults gain more reading skills, and children do better relative to other children.
Family literacy strengthens the ability of families to participate fully in society.
Family literacy programs help parents acquire the skills they desire in order to advocate for themselves and their families in all areas of their lives including employment, education, housing and health. In a survey of 1,200 adult literacy students, the students indicated they wanted to acquire literacy skills for a variety of reasons including the ability to access information, to act independently, to give voice to their opinions, and to act for the good of their families and communities. Literacy levels in Washington state vary from region to region. Levels of literacy and degrees of success in the Washington state labor market are clearly and closely linked. Washington adults with higher levels of literacy are more likely to be employed full time in professional, technical or managerial positions.