Compares verbal fluency of 156 K-6 urban children (72 Hispanic, 41 Black, 43 White) using the Thematic Apperception Test and two versions of TEMAS, a new thematic apperception test using minority or nonminority characters, cultural themes, and urban backgrounds. Finds females more verbally fluent and Hispanics/Blacks more fluent on TEMAS. (MH)

Concludes that White student teachers in predominately Hispanic schools were more concerned about curriculum implementation and teaching methodology than about problems relating to cultural variation. (FL)

Puerto Ricans on the United States mainland face problems of discrimination, poverty, unemployment, poor working conditions, cutbacks in bilingual education funds, poor housing, housing displacement, and discriminatory treatment by the justice system. Alliances are being forged among various Puerto Rican groups in a growing movement to demand…

Conducted a survey of 288 adolescents to see how their sources of sexual information, sexual interests, and actual knowledge were related to their sex, age, urban or rural residence, and ethnicity. Findings suggest that demographic characteristics of students should be considered by persons interested in adolescent sexual knowledge. (Author)

Discusses verbal performances of East Austin (Texas) Chicano children; how their attitudes about language influence their choice of English-Spanish codes, the verbal code favored being Spanish-English code-switching; their ability to maintain code separation; and how their two major cultural heritages are fully exploited to create a resolutely…

Reports research results on a counseling approach designed to enhance the meaningfulness of life for elders with a sample of Cuban-Americans. Results indicated significant improvement in functioning occurred along all dimensions evaluated, and the model was sensitive to both age and cultural characteristics. (Author/RC)

Describes personal experiences teaching English in a ghetto high school. Suggests that the college teacher of English should know how little preparation these students have in the way of thinking and working by themselves and how little relevance college education may have for them. (MKM)

The essay addresses the continuing segregation of Hispanic students after 25 years of public school integration, noting the history and current status of Hispanic segregation with its bases in economic and residential factors and racial discrimination. The article also discusses the need for appropriate remedies for multiracial, multilingual…

First-year enrollments of minority (American Indian, Hispanic, and black) medical students declined from 1995 to 1996, endangering efforts to achieve a diverse physician workforce. Some institutions are recruiting minorities aggressively and making an added effort to support their persistence. Many minority medical students plan to work in poor…

Hispanic individuals typically experience several often traumatic stages of cultural adjustment as they adapt to life in the United States. This includes euphoria, culture shock (hostility), recovery (humor), and assimilation or adaptation. This article examines the challenges of each stage and explains the implications for schooling. (SM)

The effects of instruction in the Piacceleration Program (PXL), a hands on mastery-based program of instruction in Piagetian skills, on the acquisition of skills of classification, seriation, and conservation were studied with 28 Head Start students of Hispanic origin and 28 comparisons. PXL students did perform better on these skills. (SLD)

Examines ethnic climate and relationships among ethnic groups at five colleges. Data indicate that White and Latino students were the most comfortable interacting with other ethnic groups, whereas Asian students were the least comfortable. White students viewed the interracial climate positively, whereas Black students described their campuses as…

Examined the presenting concerns of racial and ethnic minority students (N=157) at a university counseling center. Results indicate that family and romantic relationship issues, academic concerns, and depression were among their primary concerns. Implications for developing outreach programs to address the mental health needs of similar college…

Discusses a study involving the use of Spanish keywords to acquire English vocabulary by Hispanic students of English as a Second Language (ESL). Results indicate that the keyword method produces superior recall and comprehension immediately and after one week and that this method is readily adaptable to ESL classrooms. (39 references) (Author/CK)

Describes a promising approach to literacy instruction for Latina/o middle school students struggling with literacy that emphasizes culturally relevant quality literature and that focuses heavily on comprehension-enhancing strategies. (SR)