Introduction to the Book

Abstract

Literacy development and literacy achievement is an educational priority for all learners worldwide, from early to adult learners, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has placed global literacy as a priority since 1946. Literacy development and functional literacy skills are important for nearly all areas and stages of daily life. It is important to recognize that literacy development begins in early childhood before children enter formal schooling or interact with formal teachers. When children enter formal schooling, the connection or bridge between the home and school literacy environments as well as the relationships between parents and teachers also contribute to children’s literacy development. Thus, schools and educators need to know about the children and their families who are being served in the communities. This volume’s three sections include Section I: Asian and Latinx Families at the Intersection of Society, Policy, and Theory: A Framework; Section II: Beliefs, Values, Attitudes; and Identity; and Section III: Home Literacy Perspectives.