Explores the dynamics of ethnic identity for a Hispanic population, paying particular attention to determinants of inconsistent ethnic identification. Finds that English monolingualism and attendance of schools with few Hispanic students are strongly associated with inconsistent identity; areas with larger Hispanic populations are associated less…

The power of murals as a community communication medium and as a community building process is explored from a theoretical base in the concept of "free spaces" and "community strengths" with particular reference to murals in Latino communities. Skills that may be acquired by carrying out mural projects are detailed. (EMK)

Examined ratings of components of ethnic identity by African-American Latino, Filipino, and Anglo adolescents at an integrated, ethnically balanced high school. Found nonsignificant correlations among ethnic-identity components and a three-factor solution. Correlations among components and factor structure were similar for upper and lower grades.…

Examined tensions inherent in relationships between Latino immigrant students and their teachers at an urban middle school. Data from an ethnographic study of students' school experiences and interviews with teachers indicated that students named teacher discrimination against Latinos as the primary cause of their disengagement from school.…

Discusses alternative programs and schools visited by the Hispanic Dropout Project. Notes a pervasive "disconnect" between alternative programs and "regular" schools, and outlines lessons alternative programs have to offer traditional schools. (SR)

A turnaround school in Mission, Texas proves poverty and underachievement are not synonymous. The 1998 passing rate on state assessments was 90.7 percent, compared to 41.2 percent in 1993. Factors include committed faculty, a strong principal, extended reading practice and instructional time, incentives and recognition, and pre-assessment…

A study involving 257 Navajo and Mexican-American elementary students investigated the internal structure of the DISCOVER assessment, a performance-based assessment grounded in Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence. Results showed low interrating correlations among the five assessment activities, indicating students gifted in one intelligence…

Analysis of data from a national longitudinal study of adolescent health found that adolescent involvement in four types of violent behaviors was related to race/ethnicity, gender, and family structure. Family cohesion was a protective factor against all types of violence. (Contains 45 references.) (Author/SV)

Surveys of 135 young adults of Mexican descent and their parents found that parents' and children's descriptions of themselves in terms of cultural identity were similar. Differences were a function of the accuracy of young adults' perceptions of their parents' beliefs and their desire to be like their mother. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/SV)

Tinto's theory of college retention suggests that minority students must assimilate into the cultural mainstream to succeed on predominantly white campuses. This theory overlooks the U.S.'s history of ethnic oppression and discrimination. Delineates an alternative model based on cultural integrity and Bourdieu's notions of cultural capital.…

Assessed improvements in knowledge, skills, and behaviors of peer educators called abuelas (Hispanic grandmothers) and low-income Hispanic mothers of preschoolers following participation in a bilingual nutrition education program based on the Stages of Change. Pretests and posttests of abuelas and mothers indicated that the program increased both…

Examines racial/ethnic differences in a sample of 436 African-American and 387 Latino elementary school students in the mean levels of children's internal beliefs, fantasies, and attributions about aggressive behavior; interpersonal negotiation strategies; and psychological symptomatology. Looked at relationships among these factors. Differences…

A summer/Saturday science program was designed to assist minority students with achievement in advanced mathematics and science courses at the high school level, and to encourage these students to pursue science and engineering degrees in college. The program involves field experiences and individual research projects. Students can earn advanced…

Describes development of an intervention program for Hispanic parents to reduce violence by increased monitoring of their middle school students. Program development used a five-step guided intervention mapping process. Student surveys and parent interviews provided data to inform program design. Intervention mapping ensured involvement with the…

Examines the relative influence of family, school, peer influences, perceived student substance abuse, family substance abuse, and acculturation on Mexican-American early adolescents (N=413). Results show that family functioning and family use directly influence males, whereas family use and student use directly influence females. Family…