This appendix presents definitions for the general article variables in the coding scheme used in the synthesis (Chapter 2). The codes described in this appendix were used to craft the article description and connection to outcomes columns listed in Table 2.1. I coded all articles in terms of the program qualities category. I used the article qualities category to code studies that reported on the results of implementing the program.
Category Definition and codes
Program qualities
Program target Program target identified the particular focus of the program. Articles were designated as caregiver focus only when only parents participated in in-person training, and caregiver and child when both children and caregivers participated jointly in the session activities.
Target skill Target skill identified the specific domain or domains of learning the initiative sought to support. Articles could receive more than one designation. Articles were categorized for the purpose of the review based on the domain in which the program content mostly addressed. Codes included behavior and social learning; language and literacy; and math and science.
Targeted grade(s) Grade or grades of children targeted in the program. Articles could receive more than one designation. Codes included kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, range, and elementary. Range was assigned to articles in which participating children were enrolled in the grades of interested in the synthesis (K-3) and grades that extended below or above the range of interest. The elementary code was assigned to articles that did not specify a specific grade and instead, describe the program as relevant for children in elementary school broadly defined.
Cultural group(s) The particular racial/ethnic group the program targeted. Articles could receive more than one
designation. Codes included African American, Asian American, Latinx, and Native American. I also coded whether the article targeted families that recently immigrated to the United States or Canada.
Intended family outcomes
Which family/parent knowledge and skills the program sought to support. Articles could receive more than one designation. Codes included changes to the home environment; changes to engagement with child; and to build parental confidence, competence, attitudes and/or interest.
Appendix I (continued)
Category Definition and codes
Study qualities
Child age Average child’s age in years. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR).
Family primary language
Primary language parents spoke to children at home. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included English, Spanish, Mandarin/Cantonese, and Korean.
Target audience Family member who directly intervened on behalf of the child in the study. Some studies specified that the program was designed for mothers or fathers. Programs that did not provide a specification were coded as any parent/caregiver.
Family selection How participating families were selected to participate in the program. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included self-selection, for families who chose to participate; referred by school, social services, and community clinics; and met screening threshold for academic difficulties/behavioral problems.
Socioeconomic status Socioeconomic status (SES) of participating families. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included low-income or families below the poverty line, middle to higher SES, and mixed SES (e.g., low and middle SES).
Design Study research design. Codes qualitative, non-experimental (i.e., treatment group only), experimental (i.e., randomization to groups), and quasi-experimental (i.e., non-random assignment).
Treatment group Provisions for members of the treatment group. Studies could receive more than one designation. Codes included materials and training.
Program type Who developed the program. Codes included researcher/university developed and adaptation of an existing program.
Family participation How family participation in the program was tracked. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included families submit records in person or over the phone and log of session attendance.
Control group Description of what the comparison group received. Studies that did not use an experimental or quasi- experimental design received a score of zero. Codes included business-as-usual, basic
Appendix I (continued)
Category Definition and codes
Sample size Number of children and families who participated in the study.
Frequency of contact How often families interacted with program staff. I reported the number of meetings or sessions the program provided. If a range was given, report the average and the range.
Duration of contact Number of hours families spent attending sessions/meetings. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR).
Program intensity Intensity of program activities in the absence of program staff/in-person sessions. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included work with child daily, work with child weekly, and work with child in between sessions.
Duration Total duration of the program. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included ranges of 1-3 weeks; 1-4 months; 5-8 months; 9-11 months; 1 year – 1 year 11 months, and 2+ years.
Context Location in which program was administered. Studies could receive more than one designation. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included, school, community, and home.
Child assessment method
How children were assessed. Studies could receive more than one designation. If the study did not report information or did not assess children, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included observations and/or interviews, child-reported measures, parent-reported measures, and teacher- reported measures.
Family assessment method
How families were assessed. Studies could receive more than one designation. If the study did not report information or did not assess families, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included observations and/or interviews, child-reported measures, parent-reported measures, and teacher- reported measures.
Results Program success. If the study did not report information, it was labeled as “Not Reported” (NR). Codes included not successful, as defined by mostly negative results; unclear, as defined by equal positive and negative results; and successful, as defined by mostly positive results.