Analysis of data from the parent and student sections of High School and Beyond surveys revealed that close spacing of siblings had a strong negative effect on parents' anticipated and actual contributions to a child's living and schooling expenses during the first year after high school graduation. This negative effect was unrelated to…

Examines the importance of cooperative learning in early childhood, which promotes social and academic benefits and can build supportive and more inclusive classroom communities. Suggests seven key ideas to differentiate cooperative groups from traditional groups, including interdependence, goals, grouping, and leadership, with examples from…

A study of the relationships of selected variables in 27 elementary schools in western Kentucky revealed significant relationships between student achievement and school climate, student socioeconomic status, and parent and community involvement. However, there was no relationship between school climate and student socioeconomic status. (LP)

Reports a study on the relationship between amounts and types of parent involvement and secondary students' academic achievement, gender, and grade. Parent interviews indicated significant relationships between academic achievement and home-based parent participation. Female and younger students had more involved parents. Parent-as-learner and as…

In Guatemala and Bolivia, countries with high proportions of ethnic (Native) population, indigenous workers had lower educational attainment and earned less at every educational level, relative to nonindigenous workers. The differences between ethnic groups were greater in Guatemala than Bolivia. (SV)

Although 1992 Scholastic Aptitude Test scores have risen slightly, scores are closely linked to family income and education. ACT (American College Testing Program) scores are tied more to academic preparation. Reading performance has improved, but math performance lags behind other nations. Educator demographics, salary information, and regional…

The arguments for and against student loans in Singapore are presented, with tables detailing trends in financing higher education. The paper concludes that such conditions as full employment, high private returns to higher education, and an efficient financial infrastructure suggest that student loans can be efficiently and equitably utilized in…

Describes the literacy behaviors of three students inexperienced with print at the onset of school. Finds that the children failed to meet the intent of the curriculum through mid-first grade and learned dysfunctional strategies for getting along in school. Offers hope that two students will succeed through the individual help and high…

This article examines differences between language deficits and language differences, with emphasis on African American students from lower socioeconomic levels, and considers intervention with this population in terms of why it should occur, when it should occur, and how it should be structured. An appendix summarizes dialectical features of…

Measured the impact of managed care on the utilization of preventive health-care services by 867 inner-city Los Angeles families and assessed the relationship between insurance type, source of care, and access to immunization services. Results show that, lacking financial incentives, managed care is unlikely to improve immunization rates among…

Estimated odds of mild and severe husband-to-wife physical aggression in 11,870 white men. Being younger, having lower income, and having alcohol problem significantly increased odds of either mild or severe physical aggression. Drug problem uniquely increased risk of severe physical aggression. Marital discord and depression further increased…

Two studies involving 686 college students examined the relationship between desire for group-based dominance, gender, and group attachment. For members of high-status groups, there were positive relationships between desire for group-based dominance and group affiliation. Males have a higher level of social-dominance orientation than females…

Long-term poverty rates among nonmetro Blacks have fallen dramatically since the early 1970s. Associated with that improvement are higher levels of education among young adults and smaller family size. Despite improvements, poverty levels are still much higher for Blacks than for Whites in both metro and nonmetro areas. (Author/KS)

Deals with the development of children's understanding of social class. Presents results of a study of English 6 to 11 year olds' answers to questions concerning wealth, poverty, and social class inequality. Determines that older children could benefit directly from teaching about social class inequality. Finds more indirect methods necessary…

Examines five themes in "Testing for Competence Rather than for "Intelligence" (D. C. McClelland, "American Psychologist," 1973), and reviews relevant literature. Despite wide acceptance of McClelland's views, other evidence that does not show that competency testing surpasses cognitive ability testing in predicting…