Recognizing the academic benefits of access to print for young children, book distribution programs abound in the United States. Designed to promote book ownership for low-income families, programs have unique delivery systems, leading to a largely fragmented policy. This article describes an urban city's effort to build a coordinated book…

This study examines the impact of professional development on teacher knowledge and quality early language and literacy practices in center- and home-based care settings. Participants from 291 sites (177 centers; 114 home-based) in four cities were randomly selected to: Group 1, 3-credit course in early language and literacy; Group 2, course plus…

The influence of different media on the interpretations of stories was examined in 2 studies involving 2 fifth graders and 83 fifth grade high and low achievers. Results with print media and video media suggest that the interpretive process may be similar across different media presentations. (SLD)

In an exploration of the challenges of creating a collaborative approach to parent involvement, the beliefs of 19 African American adolescent mothers about learning and literacy were determined through peer group discussions. Data revealed a continuum of perspectives and a great deal of intergroup variability, as well as some shared goals. (SLD)

Effects of adult mediation and literacy-enriched play settings in Head Start classrooms on environmental and functional print tasks were studied for 177 minority preschoolers in poverty. Results indicate that the active engagement of adult mediators in literacy-enriched office play settings influenced children's ability to read environmental…