Describes two participatory action research projects completed by undergraduate students for community-based organizations in New York City (New York) that dramatically affected municipal economic development and affordable housing policies in two low-income minority communities. Argues that such projects are valuable in helping students gain…

Since the early 1980s, the drive for educational equity has fueled school high-tech purchases. A common theme emerges: schools need money to buy up-to-date equipment and software and to pay for teacher training and technical support. Careful planning can ensure that educational technology is implemented in high-payoff areas, such as serving…

Studies of persistent poverty in rural Texas, Mississippi, and Appalachia illustrate how political economies that rely on low wages and extreme control over labor generate rigid stratification. This structure of inequality determines social interaction and allocation of opportunities in rural communities, blocking upward mobility, and undermines…

A joint research project of the psychology departments of the University of Newcastle (Australia) and National University of Malawi has addressed common national issues, producing practical recommendations concerning community development, stress management, and poverty reduction that apply to both countries. In addition to development through…

Socioeconomic status is strongly related to student learning by shaping the family culture. Strong family cultures provide children with intellectual, social, and emotional capacities that greatly improve their chances of school success. The wider community also contributes to the capacities needed for school success. Therefore, a variety of…

Describes obstacles presented by poverty in the fulfillment of the basic needs of children. Individually addresses Maslow's five basic needs with regard to children reared in poverty: (1) physiological needs; (2) safety needs; (3) belonging and love needs; (4) self-esteem needs; and (5) self-actualization needs. (Author/SD)

Discusses poverty and its implications for education in Latin America. Focuses on gender as a social construct that differentiates the impact of poverty. Analyzes interaction of gender, class, and public policy. Examines aspects of national and global policy processes and educational disparities in society related to the education of girls. (CAJ)

Uses outcomes of case study research in socioeconomically disadvantaged education contexts to examine accomplishments of (Australian) educators who have significantly affected their communities' quality of life. Highly successful classroom practitioners' work has some connection with prominent educational leadership theories. Questions approaches…

Overviews national data concerning the problems associated with the high dropout rate of migrant students. Stresses the importance of enhancing self-esteem of migrant children. Offers recommendations for national, state, and community action that emphasize empowering children and their families to break the cycles of poverty, abuse, and high…

Discusses demographic diversification and implications for the American educational system. The United States is aging rapidly, has polarized wealth and poverty, has more Latin American and Asian immigrants, and is becoming increasingly mobile, suburban, and non-Caucasian. The best predictors of school achievement are household income and parents'…

Explores the relationship between stress in the parent-child relationship and successful pursuit of education and training activities for a sample of female JOBS participants. Found a significant negative relationship between parent-child stress and successful component completion. Suggests that responses to stress come from parents' views of…

Based on the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) recent report, this article provides the foundation for state accountability systems that focus on improvement. Contains NASBE's proposed Public Policy Position on Low Performing Schools. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/MLF)

A study of five high-poverty districts making strides in improving student achievement revealed that these districts focused on systemwide strategies including new approaches to professional development; making decisions based on data, not instinct; and redefining leadership roles. (MLF)

Investigates beliefs of four teachers of at-risk students. Discusses possible school failure and future high poverty communities as related to the students' family backgrounds. Identifies child abuse in the home, alcoholism, and single or absent parents as most frequent contributors to at-risk student behavior. (CMK)

In a Nova Scotia community where the majority of the children live in poverty, the social concerns of the community are woven throughout the elementary school curriculum, which is taught as extensively as possible through the creative arts. Substantive and potentially controversial issues such as power, equity, and social justice are relevant and…