Strong family literacy programs have ongoing staff development. Teachers meet regularly to discuss student progress and program goals and to make revisions, if necessary, in order to meet educational goals. Evaluation A good evaluation plan that includes regular assessments of progress benefits learners, whose confidence is strengthened by recognition of success, as well as the quality of the overall program. Good program evaluation usually includes both quantitative and qualitative measures, i.e. standardized tests, staff observations and student self-assessment. Standardized instruments as well as parent and teacher observation are often used to evaluate program impact on the children.
Some programs also use portfolio assessment.
Institutionalization and Future Funding Institutionalization of family literacy programs is the hope of project directors as they seek funding from private and public sources. Directors have learned that results of a comprehensive program evaluation including quantitative, as well as anecdotal data, are critical to future funding. Being able to demonstrate community support for the program is also important. Positioning a family literacy program as part of a broader effort designed to attack problems such as homelessness, welfare dependency, or joblessness can also help establish it as critical to the future of the community.