Stresses school administrators' failure to realize that for language minority children to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture does not mean denying the educational gains of the past. Challenges the melting pot theory and emphasizes the development of a consciousness that is part of ethnic identity. (RDN)

Describes field trips and related activities in which nearby institutions, local celebrities, and distinctive aspects of community life are employed to enrich the Schools Reaching Out project at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (MA). (DM)

Presents point-counterpoint opinions on bilingual education, regarding (1) effects on children of different language groups, (2) best methods for teaching English as a second language, (3) school's role in maintaining native language skills and culture, (4) segregation of students, (5) selection of students for programs, and (6) issues raised by…

Describes a model three-year project developed to foster collaboration between a public school and a community school sharing the Quincy School community complex. (GC)

Demonstrates that computers can be used to develop literacy among very young children (in this case Spanish speakers) regardless of their initial ability to read and write. Argues that creativity can be reinforced by having adults act as facilitators and that computers should be available in the classroom rather than only in computer lab periods.…

Describes the parent and community involvement project at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (MA), which includes a Parent Center within the school, field trips, tutoring assistance by university students, and ESL and GED classes for parents. (DM)

Outlines the negative effects of tracking on minority group students, the characteristics of beneficial systems, and alternatives to tracking. Concludes that tracking is common practice in American public education and that rigid tracking creates problems of student isolation by socioeconomic status and ethnicity. Suggests criteria for evaluating…

Race desegregation in Massachusetts is a major enterprise. Desegregation realigns school assignments to bring together students from residential areas that are racially different to establish a truly "common school." Programs in specific towns and cities are detailed. (BJV)

Describes a successful plan to reduce the racial isolation of Massachusetts school in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Ascribes the school's successful magnet minority enrollment largely to parental involvement. Offers examples of academic improvement among children attending the school. (RDN)

Most schools use, reinforce, and enhance the dominant culture at the expense of the culture of minority students. If schools recognize the importance of language and culture, they will see benefits in minority children's academic growth, self-image and economic future. (Author/PS)

Causes of inadequate educational results for poor and minority children are enumerated. Consequences of resultant increase in dropping out are listed. Solution involves tackling the following: (1) funding disparities between poor and affluent neighborhoods; (2) achievement gap between whites and minorities; (3) dearth of work-oriented programs;…

An annual student referendum on desired ninth grade assignment in Boston is analyzed, and shows that students who express a first choice are quite likely to have that choice satisfied. The main distinction drawn by the analysis is not between district and citywide schools, but between schools which many students aspire to and schools which few do.…

Describes the background, goals, and classroom experience of the cooperative learning program initiated in Fall 1986 by the Bay Shore Union Free School District, Bay Shore, NY. Results indicate cooperative learning is effective in narrowing the margin between the achievement of minority and majority students. (PS)

Describes the involvement of Brockton Public Schools with the Massachusetts Racial Imbalance Law and its gradual development of equal educational opportunity. Emphasizes community involvement in planning educational policies that lead from desegregation to full integration of diverse populations. (SA)

Introduces an issue devoted to the Schools Reaching Out projects at David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (MA) and Adolph S. Ochs School in New York City. Projects attempt to link the schools with parents and their communities to promote the students' academic and social success. (DM)