Family Literacy Program Saved

When we learned that six family literacy programs in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) were facing budget cuts, NCFL President and Founder Sharon Darling knew she had to get involved. She wrote a letter requesting that LAUSD continue supporting the LA Family Literacy Program.

NCFL has had the privilege of working with family engagement programs in the LAUSD since 1993, and has witnessed first-hand the documented successes of family literacy initiatives in LA.

We were moved to hear that hundreds of advocates from all over the city came out to rallies, painted signs, wrote letters, made phone calls, and worked around the clock to make sure their voices were heard by the Board of Education, elected officials, and the general public. And, we were overjoyed to learn that while the family literacy program suffered budgetary cuts, the program was saved.

“Family literacy advocates in Los Angeles Unified School District are perfect examples of the power of students, staff and the community advocating and getting it done,” Darling said. “They didn’t just accept the status quo but pulled out all the stops to save their excellent family literacy programs.

“I know there is still a steep hill to climb but I am so proud of what they have already accomplished.”