Addresses difficulties identifying gifted rural children who are economically disadvantaged and who do not exhibit traditional characteristics of gifted behavior. Suggests that individual assessment be both comprehensive and culturally specific, that curriculum interventions use the resources of rural communities, and that computer technology and…

Reexamines family structure's influences on standardized test scores of first- and second-grade children with respect to family resources. Found that two parents in the home and family resources did not affect growth in standardized achievement during school sessions. Family resources did influence achievement when school was out. (RJM)

In Portugal, modernization is likely to exacerbate marginalization and exclusion for young people who are not educationally successful by blocking alternative possibilities for social mobility. Poverty, illiteracy, and unequal education opportunities are widespread. Future educational policies must be elastic to respond to accelerating changes and…

A disproportionate number of minorities are going backward, losing hope in the American dream. Bemoaning tribalization and multiculturalism does little to eliminate the economic and educational disparities that fuel them. The appropriate antidote for cultural insularity is a culture of inclusiveness infusing every facet of our society. Economic…

Kenya's traditional rural clan and extended family communal form of foster care is compared with the recent state-sponsored nuclear foster care. Shortcomings of the state plan are discussed. It is maintained that the state plan needs to make use of the African extended family. (BC)

Explores the situations of the following immigrant groups in Canada: (1) Caribbean Blacks; (2) East Indians; and (3) Filipinos. The combined contributions of these groups to Canada's work force and Canada's economic, sociological, educational, multicultural, and spiritual development are incalculable, yet these minorities face discrimination and…

Discusses the state of education, social problems, and child welfare. Urges teachers to press government representatives to better the lives of children in the United States by allotting more funds for education, health care, and the fight against poverty. Argues that children need teachers who have faith and confidence in their students. (DK)

Describes the migrant lifestyle and its effect on migrant children and their education. Addresses what preservice teachers should know about migrant families, including the availability of school funds for recruitment of migrant students, the resources of the Migrant Student Record Transfer System, and the importance of improving the educational…

The good news about U.S. schools (improved Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and international achievement rankings) continues to be ignored, while the bad news about the nation's real problems (crushing poverty, crumbling cities, and a faltering economy) worsens. A system that formerly functioned as a sorting machine is now expected to optimize all…

This study is a careful review and analysis of recent official statistics and academic studies about children and poverty in the United Kingdom. Kumar fully and succinctly identifies the link between increasing child poverty and economic, demographic, and policy changes and the greater risks of children from ethnic minorities. (SLD)

Reviews literature of controversies surrounding the rise of big cities in Western Europe and the United States. Comments that popular concepts of unspoiled nature and biblical tradition influenced antiurbanism. Notes fears of disease, breakdown of families, and rising crime rate were major concerns. Defenders countered cities would become centers…

Reviews data on child poverty worldwide, providing statistics on 20 poverty-related problems. Examines effects of economic factors (i.e., unemployment, wage stagnation, inflation, and internal migration) and political policies (i.e., military spending over health and education) on child well-being, arguing that families and children themselves…

Traditional measures indicating little net change in long-term poverty for children between the late 1960s and the early 1980s mask certain statistical and demographic changes. A rise in female-based households, fewer well-paying jobs for younger workers, and greater dependence on social assistance have offset smaller family sizes and parental…

Reviews research related to the problem of disadvantaged children. Finds situational, geographical, and familial continuities mentioned along with factors of socioeconomic class and maternal disadvantaged biology. Observes studies show that many of the disadvantaged are able to overcome early difficulties. Concentrates on protective cultural…

Raises the issue of recognizing the diversity of poor women in psychological research, focusing on the need to disentangle ethnicity and class and the limitations of adopting a middle-class white perspective. Possible causes of exclusion in addition to racism and suggestions for achieving feminist goals are considered. (SLD)