In order to develop goals for the partnership, it is necessary to develop a framework for the project that not only sets an overall objective (developing or supporting a family literacy project), but that also integrates the goals and interests of participating individuals and organizations (Alary 1990).

Conducting a needs assessment
Conducting a needs assessment will ensure that the program you develop is appropriate and realistic for your community. It will systematically identify needs in the community that relate to literacy, family literacy, early childhood education, and family support. It will also identify existing programs and services in the community that relate to the identified needs, as well as programs and services that would complement a family literacy program. These might include parenting and family resource programs; literacy, adult basic education, and English as a second language programs; or library drop-in programs for children and families.

By comparing the information on community needs and existing programs, you will be able to identify where gaps in service delivery exist.

By involving your advisory committee in the development and implementation of the needs assessment, and by involving other community agencies and individuals, the process builds ownership, awareness, and support among stakeholders. It gauges the level of support for the proposed program, and determines similarities and differences in how literacy needs are perceived.

The needs assessment can also ensure that realistic goals are set for the proposed program, in terms of assessing not only needs but available resources.

For more information on conducting a needs assessment, see "Doing it Right" by the Edmonton Social Planning Council, or the "Practical Guide to Family Literacy" (Skage 1995).

Developing a plan of action
Based on the information gathered in the needs assessment, the partnership should be able to decide if the proposed family literacy model(s) will be effective in addressing community needs, if it should be modified or adapted, and how it can best be delivered. The next step is to develop a list of objectives for developing the program, and a plan of action based on those objectives.