Provides some historical insights into the developing plight of today's modern U.S. cities and how urban policies over the years have exacerbated a downward trend in city quality. The author argues that a lack of government attention and lack of sound urban policy development has created today's primary crisis, urban violence. (GR)

Presents a conceptual model for better understanding how poverty jeopardizes a host of childhood and adulthood abilities. Links the model with various policy initiatives that attempt to curb poverty or its detrimental effects. Suggests that low family income compromises children's physical growth, cognitive development, socioemotional functioning,…

Economic restructuring has exacerbated problems of black men such as poverty, unemployment, lowered life expectancy, and low expectations. Power diverted from productive channels is expressed in gang violence, homicide, and suicide. Recommendations include a national agency to eliminate poverty, involve the black community, and increase funding…

Describes the use of narrative to encourage African American teacher education students to reflect on their personal, cultural, and familial experiences, examine their own beliefs about teaching and learning, and reflect on relationships between theory and practice in education. Includes some excerpts from the students' journals that reflect how…

Incorporated multimethod measurement procedures and addressed several deficiencies noted in prevention-focused parent skills training outcome literature. Analysis of intervention group versus control group differences on protective parenting behaviors targeted by intervention and general child management skills showed significant intervention…

Data from Current Population Surveys indicate that rural poverty increased from 1989 to 1993, one quarter of rural children live in poverty, the proportions of people in rural areas living alone and in single-parent families have increased, nonmetropolitan poverty remains highest in the South, and rural minorities continue to face especially…

Reviews the social and economic costs of at-risk youth and examines three conditions that create risk: poverty, lack of family guidance, and peer pressure. Stresses the need for (1) new roles for educators; and (2) collaboration among the educational, business, and human services communities in efforts to support youth and families. (BC)

Examines conditions under which interracial violence develops and considers these phenomena within the context of symbolic and competitive racism through interviews with 505 residents of Baltimore (Maryland) and Richmond (Virginia). Findings indicate that African Americans (about 61 percent of those surveyed) and whites hold differing views about…

Discusses drug-exposed infants from the perspective of a juvenile court judge. Experience in Los Angeles County (California) illustrates the following common problems in the juvenile courts: (1) high court caseload; (2) lack of legal representation and overloaded case workers; and (3) lack of resources mandated by law. (SLD)

Interviews with 247 homeless families (including 480 children) in 21 rural Ohio counties found that over two-thirds were headed by young single females. The most frequently cited reasons for homelessness were family conflict or dissolution and economic factors. Implications for service provision and policy development are discussed. (LP)

The article examines the educational implications of people's inclinations to blame social victims for their plight, looking at the situation of immigrants and issues of apathy. The article suggests that genuine encounters with suffering may offer the best hope for educational and social progress. (SM)

A systematic examination of recent Catholic school closing patterns presents an alarming picture that demands the attention of urban educators, church leaders, and public policymakers. For many inner-city minority children, Catholic schools offer the only hope. This study of 213 Catholic schools closing in 4 major archdioceses shows that they were…

Community involvement protects students from the adverse impact of school failure in several ways that are particularly important for African Americans. Issues of program design, informal community involvement, and community contributions to school outcomes merit further study. (SLD)

Notes 1990 is UNESCO's International Literacy Year. Presents alternative ways of overcoming illiteracy in Latin America. Suggests major contributing factors concern the region's weak economy. Argues the state's role is decisive in transferring resources to marginal sectors. Views literacy as a basic human right and that it allows for democratic…

The domestic health profile, family and community role, and federal efforts to help at-risk children are discussed. Federal efforts center on maternal and child health programs that strengthen the family, but other initiatives are necessary to give each child the security and stability needed for healthy development. (SLD)