Final Summary

With few models of family literacy programming that fully integrate adult literacy and children’s literacy development, the Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC) wanted to identify models of good practice in family literacy that could be shared across the province. They found three sites – Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto – through the initiative, Developing Models of Best Practice for Integrated Family Literacy Programming, and sought to identify barriers and solutions; recognize new and promising practices; formulate new partnerships and opportunities; and document the findings from the three sites.

As part of this initiative, the Ontario Literacy Coalition convened a meeting with government stakeholders, practitioners and project partners on May 21, 2008 in Toronto. The purpose of this gathering was to present highlights of the previously-mentioned research findings to key Ministries in the Provincial Government who have a link to family literacy. In addition, the purpose was to solicit advice on how to move forward with a partnership framework, starting from the recommendations housed within Action for Family Literacy Ontario’s (AFLO) Position Paper Family Literacy in Ontario: Putting it on the MAP!.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat; Ministry of Children and Youth Services; Ministry of Community and Social Services; Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration; Public Health Division and the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES). Project Partners - Adult Basic Education Association Hamilton (ABEA), Kingston Literacy and the Toronto District School Board - were in attendance as was staff from the three program sites observed in the research, and their support was invaluable.

The OLC shared information regarding AFLO and the work of the OLC in Family Literacy, and Ministry representatives gave a brief overview of their respective involvement in family literacy. Enthusiasm was expressed by the various Ministries at the table and, although no firm commitment was given, the idea of a cross-ministerial approach to family literacy was discussed and willingness to participate was echoed by the various Ministries present. The meeting was facilitated by Nadine Valk from the Canadian Council on Learning.

Next steps for the OLC in its ongoing work regarding Family Literacy include the dissemination of the research findings and the development of a government relations strategy, which includes key communications with Provincial Ministries.