Summarizes findings of various reports about the condition of American education in comparison to that of other countries. When data are analyzed with no prior position as to what they say, the nation's schools seem to perform at a higher level than that which has been presented. (SLD)

In an attempt to investigate factors surrounding educational performance among different ethnic and racial groups, several areas are examined: (1) segregation; (2) performance levels and intelligence quotient variables among various ethnic groups; (3) intergroup differences among segregated and nonsegregated groups; (4) socioeconomic variables;…

This is a literature review on the effect of the single-parent family on the academic achievement of children from such households. It is argued that, historically, society has discriminated against children from single-parent families, especially those of divorced parents. Research is cited which shows that: (1) children from one-parent…

Formulates three reference group hypotheses to explain why some disadvantaged students achieve more highly than others. Focusing on low SES Hispanic language minority students, analysis shows that both middle class and Hispanic reference group orientations have a positive impact on educational achievement. (PS)

Recent studies of Mexican American youth in the Southwest show that they possess high aspirations for education and employment; like their Anglo counterparts, they want to finish high school and obtain academic or technical training that will provide a job with adequate salary and security. In contrast to these high aspirations, the 1977 census…

Reviews the year's most decisive school developments as they relate to the publication "A Nation at Risk" and examines areas largely untouched by recent reforms. Includes a chart comparing all 50 states in 15 education-related categories and reports on some recent reforms that could become trends. (IW)

An assessment of the educational status of children and youth attending Cleveland (Ohio) public schools was conducted through analysis of recent trends in the district and a comparison of the performance of students in the Cleveland schools with that of students in other large urban districts, Atlanta (Georgia), Boston (Massachusetts), and San…

This report provides an overview of Hispanic participation in education at the national level, in the state of Wisconsin, and in the Wisconsin Technical Colleges (WTCs). The first section provides national statistics, indicating that in 1990 Hispanics had a high school completion rate of 54.9%, more than 20 points below Black and 30 points below…

The life of Benito Juarez--who broke all odds to achieve academically, politically, and socially--serves proof that Hispanics can achieve without sacrificing their cultural heritage. The current educational achievement of Hispanics in California and elsewhere in the nation is a matter for serious consideration. Nearly 50% of all Hispanics enrolled…

This paper reports on the educational status of women and ethnic minorities. The first part of the paper presents a literature review containing overviews of the past and present status of women and minorities in education and briefly discusses the concept of equality of educational opportunity. The second part of the paper, which comprises the…

Classroom variables and student track levels were studied to determine the impact of tracking and the resulting differences in student educational experiences. A secondary analysis of nationwide data collected for "A Study of Schooling" was used in an analysis of the classroom experiences of students in 297 secondary school English and mathematics…

This briefing sheet provides a summary of statistics (primarily from United Kingdom and Dutch surveys) that relate to the participation of older people in learning. It provides evidence of current participation, recent trends, types of learning in which older people are involved, future intentions, and correlation between learning in later life…

The report interprets and explains the basis of Mexican American/Anglo disparity in the educational experience through the theoretical framework of "group conflict." Chapter One presents the group conflict model of society, outlining the manner in which groups form and compete for power, wealth, and prestige. Chapter Two focuses on the way in…

Both Hispanics and Whites have made important educational gains over the past two decades. However, Hispanics trail their White peers with respect to educational access, achievement, and attainment, although some differences have narrowed over time. This booklet summarizes data from "The Condition of Education, 1995," on overall educational trends…

Continuing concern regarding the quality and future of education in both America and Japan prompts many comparisons of their nation's educational systems. Chapter 1, "Japanese Schools' Higher Achievement, Literacy, Efficiency, Discipline, Classroom Management, and Strengths of Civilization," attempts to explain the superior performance…