Nature connection has been found in previous research to be a predictor of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours. For this reason, efforts to build children's nature connection through a variety of avenues, including environmental education, have been explored by practitioners and researchers alike. In this paper we undertook a purposive…

Technical and vocational education helps to empower marginalized sections of society by increasing their employability. However, access to skills training provided by formal technical and vocational institutions is often limited for these sections of society. Women from poor communities are especially disadvantaged in this regard due to community…

As the link between teacher quality and student performance becomes increasingly apparent, education leaders have invested significant time and energy into recruiting high-quality educators. Unfortunately, chronic teacher shortages have undercut these efforts, and many school leaders continue to struggle with staffing each year. A closer…

Although the development and well-being of ethnic and racial minority children have received sustained attention over the past few decades from policymakers, researchers, and practitioners (Cabrera, Beeghly, & Eisenberg, 2012; Crosnoe & Fuligni, 2012; McLloyd, 1990, 2006; Quintana et al., 2006), these efforts have contributed to a body of…

The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) is a comprehensive survey administered online to the arts alumni of participating institutions. Completion time for the survey is generally 20 to 30 minutes. Founded in 2008, SNAAP is based at the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research of the School of Education and administered in…

A growing number of children are entering kindergarten without the skills that enable them to be successful in an academic setting. However, it is not children's cognitive skills that concern educators; it is their social and emotional skill deficits that are most troublesome. This article discusses how family and community risk factors can…

This is the third in a series of briefs summarizing findings from the newest and most rigorous research related to racial and socioeconomic diversity in public schools. The studies on which this brief is based were published recently in three special issues of the peer-reviewed journal, "Teachers College Record," edited by Professors…

Recent research shows that U.S. 15-year-olds are behind their international counterparts in problem solving and mathematics literacy, ranking 24th of 29 nations (Lemke et al. 2004). Therefore, a key concern among policymakers and educators is improving the quantitative and analytical skills of American youth, who face job prospects in an economy…

Many U.S. policymakers support changing the "culture" of poor parents to encourage marriage, work, and religion as a means to end the intergenerational transmission of poverty. In this article Jens Ludwig and Susan Mayer review and evaluate research on how parental work, marriage, and religion affect children's socioeconomic status…

Aggregate schooling levels have risen greatly since the 1960's in Malaysia and the Philippines. This paper examines the extent to which indivduals' family background and government educational policies together influence schooling levels. Results suggest that policies have significantly affected attainment and distribution levels in both…

This monograph reviews research on the influence of family life on juvenile delinquency and adult crime. Families are strong socializing forces. Parents teach children to control their behavior and respect others' rights; however, parents can also teach aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. Research shows that children with parents who are…

The determinants of Scholastic Aptitude Test scores are estimated for 1982 in a regression analysis correcting for the proportion of students taking the test. Schooling variables and statewide graduation standards proved insignificant. Demographic variables (family size and education levels) proved significant and help explain SAT score decline in…

Based on information from the report, "Becoming a Nation of Readers," this article presents eight recommendations for parents to follow to provide encouragement to their children in reading. (MD)

Examines connections between the increase in the number of young Black males in prison and their decreasing representation among college students. Discusses the following factors: (1) breakdown of the family; (2) drugs; (3) racism; (4) youth attitudes toward education; and (5) teacher expectations. Emphasizes the need for Black male role models.…

In the wake of increasing concern regarding school safety, state lawmakers will be faced with difficult decisions regarding statewide policies and the funding of local programs. To assist lawmakers with this process, this report provides an overview of the most prominent issues legislators may face, as well as a framework within which to address…