'Even Start' Family Literacy Providers from across the Nation Rally to Save Federal Funding; Congress Considers Funding for Program That Serves 50,000 Families Nationwide.

SAN DIEGO -- More than 800 William F. Goodling Even Start family literacy providers and supporters rallied today for public and congressional support, following President Bush's proposed 2005 budget that eliminates funding for nearly 1,300 Even Start programs.

In spite of the proposed budget cut, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee in July approved $246.9 million in Even Start funding for fiscal year 2005. Due to a last minute amendment, the full House reduced funding by $20 million, yet still allocated $226.9 million to the program. But the battle is far from over, as the Senate Appropriations Committee voted in September not to fund Even Start at all.

"This is a critical time in the legislative process," said Scott Himelstein, chairman of the National Even Start Association. "Now more than ever we need to raise awareness and support for these life-changing programs that have benefited more than 50,000 families in need this year alone."

Started in 1988 by former Congressman Bill Goodling, Even Start provides literacy opportunities for families by integrating early childhood, adult and parenting education into a unified literacy program for disadvantaged families.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, no other education program serves a population as disadvantaged as the one served by Even Start. Forty-one percent of Even Start families have an annual household income of less than $6,000, compared to 13 percent of Head Start families. Further, only 15 percent of Even Start parents have a high school diploma or GED, compared to 72 percent of Head Start families.

Himelstein points out that although Even Start families are significantly more disadvantaged than Head Start families, their improvements in literacy, school readiness and employability are substantial.

In Georgia, more than three-quarters of Even Start children read at grade level by the end of the primary grades -- nearly double the statewide average of 41 percent. In addition, more than 80 percent of children participating in Pennsylvania Even Start programs displayed gains in reading, writing and mathematics.

"Similar studies prove the parents are also making huge strides -- and the results are long-term," said Himelstein.

A longitudinal study by the University of North Carolina, with a national sample of 30 Even Start sites, showed that children continue making gains and had higher test scores than other students randomly selected from the same classes. In addition, two-thirds of their parents also continued their education and attained GEDs or high school diplomas.

Himelstein said that the success of Even Start programs can be attributed to the high-quality services provided by the programs and the accountability of Even Start providers.

Even Start programs are required to use scientifically based reading research, and legal qualifications are set for Even Start staff. In addition, all Even Start programs have an independent, local evaluation each year.

The rally took place at Even Start's annual conference. Former Congressman Goodling spoke at the event, which also aired videotaped messages from Congressmen Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Patrick J. Kennedy in support of continuing funding for Even Start.