This paper presents the key findings from a national Internet survey of 400 teachers and 95 principals. This survey was conducted November 12-21, 2008. The sample was based on a list provided by EMI Surveys, a custom online research sample provider with an extensive portfolio of projects. The margin of error for a sample of 495 interviews is [plus…

A collaborative project of an Australian university, elementary school, and older adult volunteers incorporated lifespan education in grades 2-4. Five elements enhanced sustainability: contextual monitoring, working with change, lifespan curriculum, changing demographics, and funding. Potential hindrances were time, an overcrowded curriculum, and…

Analyzes successful family literacy projects. Finds defining characteristics and key features of practice that can be used to establish effective family literacy programs: offers literacy instruction to families, broadly defined; creates strategic recruitment plans; emphasizes retention; creates a supportive environment; and includes ongoing…

Summarizes results for parents of the original evaluation and the follow-up of Family Literacy Demonstration Programmes at four sites in Wales and England. Finds that parents benefited in employment, study, qualifications, literacy, and ability to help their children, and involvement with their children's schools. (RS)

A weeklong module of aging appreciation activities, including interactions with older adults, was implemented in five elementary classrooms. Results showed some change in children's perceptions of aging, elders' characteristics, and activity involvement with elders. Findings were not consistent across classrooms. (SK)

Describes a "grandparent" program of senior citizen volunteers (N=15) designed to provide elementary school children (N=140) access to caring, supportive senior citizens and to provide opportunities for older adults to engage in meaningful activities in school setting. Results of a program evaluation support the value of the volunteer program for…

Pre/posttest results from 282 elementary students who interacted with older adults and observations by teachers and elders revealed changes in attitudes and awareness about aging. In stage 2, preservice teachers and older adults worked together in elementary schools. A model for sustainable lifespan curriculum involving elementary schools, teacher…

Engages students in critical thinking about what they read and involves students in authentic literacy activities by implementing a semester-long pen pal program. Examines the nature of the letters, categorizes the kinds of questions asked, and notes the patterns of communications between the pen pal pairs in order to glean the benefits to both…

Attempted to determine whether there would be a change in 15 sixth graders' attitudes toward aging after intergenerational contact with nursing home residents. Found that increased contact with the elderly during the remotivation group interaction program resulted in a slight improvement in children's perceptions of the elderly. (ABB)

Discusses the positive benefits of having young children interact with older adults, citing research reports and the experiences of one elementary school's partnership with a senior citizens center. Provides the results of student, parent, teacher, and senior citizen surveys on the partnership. (MDM)

A study investigated the impact of an intergenerational approach on: (1) the literacy development and literacy use of adult learners enrolled in an adult basic education program; and (2) the emergent and developing literacy of their children. The project is one of several that have been implemented under the Boston University/Chelsea Public…

These two documents discuss two related family literacy projects that were conducted to develop a model for providing sustained literacy and developmental activities to economically disadvantaged families throughout Pennsylvania. The first document details the development/implementation of the Families Reading Together program, which built upon…

This book presents seven case studies of middle school youth service programs that challenge their participants to change from takers to givers and from observers to active members of the community. Chapter 1 discusses new ways for responding to the needs of middle school youth and promoting community service. Chapter 2 describes a tutoring…

Effects on participants in the Adoptive Grandparent Program (AGP) of the Dade County (Florida) Public Schools were studied. As part of a program evaluation of the AGP, selected fifth and sixth grade students and nursing home residents were surveyed. Intergenerational contact positively influenced participants' self-esteem, mood, and…

This paper describes a field-based effort in which practicing teachers collaborated with a university researcher to develop, inaugurate, and maintain a family literacy program. In this context, family literacy is an intergenerational program serving all members of the family, meeting the needs of adult family members as individuals, not just as…