Report on part of a study of 10 principals who were asked about their views toward the state's accountability measures in reference to their schools and their roles, and what, if any, effect external accountability had on internal accountability or developing the organizational capacity of their school. (Contains 19 references.) (WFA)

The U.S. is one of the few economically developed nations without a national policy supporting children and their families. This paper suggests that the U.S. has a unique national ideology, based on the Calvinist ethic, that results in opposition to all government-supported welfare programs. (CB)

Critically examines several perspectives from which the underclass is viewed and identifies policy prescriptions related to them. Conflicting perspectives correspond to assumptions about human nature characterized by Thomas Sowell as "constrained" and "unconstrained." Argues for an expanded federal role in helping the poor through employment…

Changes in homelessness since the 1950s and 1960s involve increasing numbers of homeless persons, striking differences in their composition, and marked deterioration in their condition. Beyond similarly high levels of mental illness and substance abuse, the new homeless are younger, poorer, often shelterless, and include more minorities, women,…

The November 1989 amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 earmarked $173 million directed primarily toward school Districts in disadvantaged areas. Attempts by some Congressional representatives and the President to interfere in sensitive local school issues (drug testing and mandated curricula) were dampened by education…

Urban women are better off in labor force participation and poverty than women in central city and rural areas. Differences in access to jobs and welfare benefits explain the urban-rural variation. Finds that the most important factor for not living in poverty is earning income. Recommends policies for reducing poverty among single, working…

Counters the popular misconception that poverty is linked to adolescent values that result in pregnancy and irresponsibility. Suggests the following research agenda: (1) reinterpretation of census data; (2) a focus on individual decision-making and systemic forces; (3) dissemination of data; and (4) investigation of father's role. (FMW)

A study of the dependency of persons on soup kitchens in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Westchester County (New York) identified who uses these kitchens, the extent to which they are dependent on them, what other food programs they use, what their perceived need from other services is, and dependency differences of subgroups. (JS)

Describes significant problems that are specific to rural poor and particularly devastating to poor Blacks. Lack of jobs and the farm crisis are the main causes of rural poverty. Discusses funding for research and need for future studies. (JS)

Examines aspects of mother-only families. Finds high economic insecurity in mother-only families because of low earnings, lack of child support and meager public benefits. Argues that struggle of mother-only families reflects societal struggles around changes in women's roles, relationship between state and family, and class and racial inequality.…

Examines 1984 Wyoming opinion poll. Wyoming respondents agreed welfare allocation should be based on need, but 50 percent believed welfare recipients should not receive more than minimum-wage income. Wyoming's welfare support is lower than national average. Rurality may contribute to results. Recommends ways to increase rural support for welfare…

Uses an interurban analysis model to assess the position of lower income families. Identifies factors determining the relative incomes of the poor through use of a supply and demand model of aggregate income inequality. Found high school graduation a significant factor in income inequality. Implications for policy are discussed. (KO)

The complex set of economic problems facing Black families can best be understood from a communication perspective. Corporate America historically has taken advantage of its access to information and use of communication media to control the economic conditions of Black families. Through research and communication technology Black families can…

Conducted exploratory multiple regression analysis, revealing that predictors of state teenage birthrates were state poverty rates, low school completion rates, low state per capita expenditures for public welfare, and high unemployment rates. States that spent less for education and public welfare had higher teenage birthrates. (Author/NB)

Examines the development of Federal job training programs, including the Job Corps, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Argues that these programs have actually harmed participants and wasted millions of tax dollars. (FMW)