The dearth of positive role models for young black males may be overcome by creating all-male kindergarten through third grade classes taught by male teachers, preferably black. Using black male volunteers in elementary classrooms, as has a District of Columbia school, is another way to provide positive role models. (SLD)

Racial bias and inadequate financial supports place the children of the urban poor at risk. Implications of urban conditions for research, policy, and practice are discussed, with emphasis on delivery of social welfare services. (SLD)

This journal issue brings together research on perceptions of control of several vulnerable populations, specifically children, lower level employees, the ill, and the aged. This introduction discusses positive outcomes associated with sense of control and identifies common themes found in work in this area. (SLD)

Describes some of the demographic characteristics of students and teachers, explains some of the implications of these for teacher education, and offers some suggestions for how teacher preparation programs should be designed to respond to these demographic realities. Argues for teacher preparation that is population based and contextually…

Examines the collaboration process between a teacher, teacher-librarian, and language specialist working to develop an integrated language and content novel study unit for a fifth-grade class with a high percentage of mainstreamed ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) students. Definitions and principles of collaboration are described, and the…

Teacher education programs must help teachers handle children from diverse family backgrounds. Knowledge of family structures, acceptance of changes, and techniques for improving communication with parents should be included in preservice and inservice teacher education. Children's literature provides one way for teacher educators to increase…

Uses research on organizations to analyze the impact of coordination on program quality, efficiency, and accountability of programs providing school-linked services for children. Coordination is not a panacea, but it can improve the existing fragmented system by enabling a more holistic response to children's needs. (SLD)

Reviews changes in the U.S. family by comparing its structure and function in 1960 and in 1990. Finds dramatic changes in women's roles and attitudes; new parenting approaches; and effects on children's social, physical, and emotional success. Argues that children and their care are being neglected. (JB)

This article discusses educational reform and personnel preparation in relation to dramatic changes in student demography. Professional development needs of teachers serving exceptional language minorities are delineated, including competencies such as understanding first- and second-language acquisition, using appropriate instructional…

A longitudinal early schooling process model was developed for first-year and second-year reading achievement, mathematics achievement, and socioemotional maturity with 1,539 low-income minority children. Data were collected from children and teachers over four time periods. Results indicate that family- and school-related cognitive readiness had…

The combination of economic hardship, limited access to supportive services, and the psychological burden of oppression have combined to disadvantage African-American children and place significant obstacles in the way of their development. This special issue assembles a group of articles focusing on the development of African-American children.…

Uses the Triple Quandary framework as a model for describing the cultural orientations of 50 inner-city African-American sixth graders. Three cultural orientations (Anglocultural, marginalized minority, and Afrocultural) and Afrocultural expressions of spirituality, communalism, and affect were operationalized. The apparent negative impact of an…

Examines relationships among socioeconomic advantage, achievement motivation, and academic performance in an urban elementary school population of 130 African-American and Hispanic fourth- through sixth-grade students. Results indicate that socioeconomic advantage and achievement motivation are significant mediators of academic performance among…

Reviews the following health issues related to the opportunity to learn for poor African-American and other minority children: (1) inadequate prenatal care; (2) malnutrition; (3) childhood diseases and illnesses; (4) unsafe environments and violence; (5) teenage sexual activity, pregnancy, and AIDS; (6) substance use and abuse; and (7) mental and…

Uses a life-history approach to examine the understandings of a group of minority teachers; their relationships with their students, colleagues, and administrators; teaching roles and assignments; and job satisfaction. Contributes to the literature on school improvement by focusing on race and culture of both the students and teachers. (DSK)