IN 1970, ability tracking of students at one high school was more strongly associated with political beliefs and participation than was students' socioeconomic background. Participation in an alternative school program in 1979 appeared to have the same effects on political attitudes and behavior than ability tracking did in 1970. (Author/MJL)

This paper analyzes Jencks et al's (1983) and Hauser et al's (1983) reports of their research on the Wisconsin status attainment model. For example, the meaning and interpretation of "unmeasured" family background are discussed and the charge that the status attainment model ignores social structure is examined. (Author/IS)

Data gathered from a national sample of 17-year-old high school students were used to correlate social studies achievement and attitude scores with various constructs previously determined to affect learning. Several significant correlations were found, both positively and negatively affecting learning outcomes. (CJ)

This study examined black 4th and 8th graders' mathematics achievement and attitudes. The effects of gender, economic status, self-concept, and learning style were studied. Students were from economically-stressed families and possessed negative mathematics attitudes. Economic status predicted 4th graders' achievement. Learning style and gender…

Offers ideas for opening up new paths in literacy teaching in early childhood settings. Focuses on the role of phonics in everyday classroom instruction, working with dyslexic children, home reading programs, special concerns about boys' literacy, the impact of inequities in social status in the classroom on children's literacy opportunities, and…

In rural Australia, education beyond year 10 involves leaving home. Rural families may influence young people to stay home. Family influence and culture should not always be considered a deficit, for the family provides support when jobs are scarce. Rural families' social capital and rural resilience should be considered in developing rural school…

Discusses the educational and social efforts of the Benevolent Mechanics Association in Petersburg, Virginia, between the years 1825 and 1857. Although economically prosperous, the southern mechanics (all skilled trades) established a night school for their apprentices in a bid for social acceptance. Examines the reasons for the school's failure.…

Taiwanese teachers enjoy higher occupational prestige and greater job satisfaction than teachers elsewhere. These outcomes are attributed to favorable government policies in teacher education and schooling over past decades. Cultural, historical, and political traditions have shaped the high social status of Taiwanese teachers. The effects of…

Using data from the High School and Beyond Survey, the author examines the effects of secondary educational academic tracking on educational stratification relative to racial, sexual, and socioeconomic inequality. Finds that current tracking practices produce less inequality among Blacks and females. Also finds that noncollege programs are not…

Examines effects of socioeconomic status, school funding, English proficiency, and Latino population concentration on achievement scores of students in grades 3, 6, and 12 in 66 rural California school districts. Performance on the California Assessment Program was predicted primarily by parental socioeconomic status, and, unexpectedly, improved…

Presents three hypotheses about education: (1) equal opportunity in education is largely a myth; (2) students are often exploited for noneducational ends; and (3) ability is often discriminated against in schooling and life. Discusses each hypothesis and presents supportive arguments. (CFR)

Assesses to present state of knowledge of African-American contributions to, and the role of slavery in the settlement of, the Americas. Suggests areas for future research and discusses research problems. Argues that the economics of capitalism had more effect on conditions of slavery than did the legal codes. (DK)

A survey of 194 social work graduate students investigated the effects of part- or full-time enrollment status, employment status, marital status, and other roles on psychological adjustment. Results are discussed in light of scarcity and expansion hypotheses derived from role theory, and practical implications for social work education are…

Proposes a broad analytical framework in the study of immigrant naturalization that incorporates an immigrant's individual characteristics with the larger social contexts in the country of origin and the country of destination to explain the likelihood of citizenship acquisition. Results testing of this framework show that such considerations are…

Investigated how family processes influence high school student dropout behavior. Used a sample of 114 dropouts from 1 California high school, 48 of whom were matched to similarly profiled continuing students. Identified factors that explain students' dropout decisions: permissive parenting, negative parental reactions to grades, excessive…