When researchers installed a computer in a poor neighborhood in India and left it unattended, area children without computer experience taught themselves many popular programs and used the Internet. The experiment showed that practice, experimentation, and easy access can provide a foundation for more formal computer training. (JOW)

Using Bourdieu's concept of habitus, a study of 13 rural African-American women examined their experience in a community college work education program. Some resisted the program's ideological message in the context of a community offering few prospects for long-term employment. The program emphasized compliance, passivity, and rules rather than…

Describes and critiques the dominant understanding of poverty in the United States as reflected in its most common measure, the federal poverty line, commenting on the politics of poverty measurement and considering the implications of a revised measure of poverty for thinking about poor children and their education in this nation's schools. (SM)

Investigated links between African American mothers' perceptions of their urban neighborhoods and adjustment of their adolescents. Interview data indicated that important features of neighborhoods (crime, physical deterioration, and resource availability) measured through mothers' reports related to adolescent functioning and mothers' parenting…

This study evaluated referrals (N=5,551) and registered cases (N=1,450) of child abuse and neglect in Glasgow, Scotland, from 1991 through 1993. The largest correlation found was between physical abuse and rates of male unemployment, accounting for two-thirds of the variance in total abuse and neglect rates. (Author/DB)

Describes an evaluation of an innovative site-based service program, the Growth and Achievement Program (GAP). Results show that GAP clients had significantly higher gain scores than did the comparison group and were less likely to rely on public financial assistance as their primary source of income. (RJM)

Because homeless students' problems reflect complex social problems, a multifaceted, collaborative approach is needed to address fundamental issues. This article provides a framework for examining four levels of collaboration, highlighting lessons learned from pursuing educational goals at the state level. Collaboration with professionals from…

Argues that transracial adoption is not necessary to ensure that children of color are adopted in a timely manner. Presents alternative arguments around six issues. A brief history of the transracial adoption controversy is presented and discussed. Summarizes positions of several social work organizations. Makes recommendations for education,…

A 1986 collaboration between a Fort Worth community group and middle school evolved into a network of 32 alliance schools in 1992-93. Aided by improvement-minded parents, community leaders, and educators, the alliance now has 100 schools in disadvantaged Texas communities. Community involvement contributes to improvements in conditions and…

A ranking of states, districts, or schools by test scores shows the powerful influence of student selectivity and poverty. High poverty levels are directly associated with low test scores, and vice versa. (MLF)

Given most AmeriCorps members' passion and dedication, a recent college graduate assigned to an overcrowded Oakland middle school felt guilty about her half-hearted commitment to Teach for America. She gradually realized her situation was all too realistic and typical of teachers serving in underresourced schools across the nation. (MLH)

In a community experiencing racial tensions between African American and Hispanic residents, a community organization was created to empower residents to achieve overarching community goals. Low participation, differences in levels and views of empowerment, and lack of efficacy were encountered, illustrating the difficulty of applying theory to…

American society exudes both a deep-rooted hostility and a chilling indifference toward youth, reinforcing the dismal conditions that increasingly characterize young people's existence. Children and teens are losing hope for the future. An education professor (and former basketball scholarship student) provides enlightening insights from his own…

National survey data indicate that child poverty was significantly related to maternal characteristics (age, race, educational attainment, academic ability) and family structure and employment. With these variables controlled, chances of spending the majority of life in poverty were about 1.3 times greater for children born in or living the…

Presents findings of 1995 survey on the number of U.S. households experiencing hunger related to economic circumstances. Identifies characteristics of households more likely to experience hunger, including households with children, Black and Hispanic households with children, and female-headed households. Notes that about half the households…