An Analysis of Raising a Reader on the Development of Caregiver Literacy Efficacy

Abstract

The effectiveness of the Raising a Reader (RAR) program conducted by Make Way for Books (MWFB) was evaluated by pre- and post-program questionnaires completed by the caregivers of the children enrolled in the program. The question addressed was if the caregivers enrolled in the RAR program increased their literacy efficacy as a result of attending. Thirteen families in the Tucson community who were enrolled in the RAR program for the first time, whose children were between the ages of 3-5, and who attended at least four of the sessions, were asked questions about their feelings and practices with reading to establish parent’s level of literacy efficacy, activities, and reading behaviors. The data were analyzed using matched-pairs t-tests to compare the caregiver’s pre- and post-intervention scores. The results of the study support that caregiver literacy efficacy improves, although not at statistically significant levels, as a result of the RAR program, as the weekly sessions give caregivers the tools and assurance to teach their children. On average, caregivers reported engaging in more literacy activities and using higher quality reading practices after the program.