Argues that there are circumstances in poverty settings that will continue to further disenfranchise segments of society from education even if school choice is implemented. These circumstances limit the prerequisites for high-quality choice by parents, and if left alone, can result in even worse educational conditions in urban schools. (SLD)

Focusing on research that has used data at the individual student level or an aggregated school level, this article reveals the strength of the ecological fallacy. Using a large sample (over 30,000 students), the aggregated data are shown to overstate the influence of socioeconomic status. (SLD)

Minorities constitute an increasing proportion of the population, particularly among children and younger working-age adults. In rural areas, the minority population is small overall but highly concentrated in certain areas; includes a high proportion of children; and is characterized by low education and employment levels. Education and…

Examines the effects of poverty on parenting, noting the work of the Kennedy Center at Peabody College and discussing parenting as a process, how parents are influenced by poverty, how parenting in poverty influences children's development, how children are directly and indirectly influenced by poverty, and factors that mediate the debilitating…

Goodlad believes that schools and leadership training should stress renewal, not reform. The workplace cannot survive unless people are educated for democracy and its responsibilities. Vouchers should supplement a child's education, not subsidize private schools. Improving family resources is the best way to address poverty and raise achievement.…

Presents a model for the relationships between poverty and violence. Argues that exposure to violence may lead to more high-risk behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Offers a psychoeducational framework for understanding the complex issues posed by damaging effects of violence and poverty on children. Recommends school-based prevention programs…

A descriptive analysis of low female employment in central Appalachia draws on 1990 census data. Potential contributing factors addressed include poverty, age, disability, occupational and industrial structure, rurality, and family structure (especially the presence of children). Research conclusions suggest the interplay of contributing factors.…

Discusses the large-scale reemergence of homelessness within the last 20 years. Examines the characteristics of the newly and chronic homeless. Considers a number of economic and public-policy factors contributing to this situation. Outlines a classroom presentation using graphs, statistics, and discussion questions to illustrate this information.…

Research that studied 120 youth organizations in 34 different communities discovered that most disadvantaged participants gained academic life skills lasting into early adulthood. Schools can help by sharing space and facilities, establishing institutional collaborations, connecting mutual goals, supporting teacher participation, and developing…

Presents a chronological history of the conflict between the Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, teachers' union and the school board. The board hired Alternative Public Schools, Inc, to manage Turner Elementary Schools and gave the company permission to hire a new staff at Turner. The state supreme court has ruled in favor of the school district. (MLF)

Discussion of intellectual freedom, access to information, and public library administration focuses on three main areas: (1) access to minors; (2) access to library services by the poor, including library card registration policies that require a permanent address; and (3) charging fines and fees. Information equality and access to Internet are…

Examined the quality of care provided to children from low-income families, using data from a nationally representative survey of child care centers and a five-site observational study of centers. Found that the quality of care in centers serving predominantly low-income families was better than centers serving middle-income families. (MDM)

Investigates the relationships between participating in traditional extracurricular activities and the academic achievement levels of minority male and female students in poor urban schools. Figures from a national database (24,355 eighth graders) show that in almost 50% of cases, male participation in extracurriculars was associated with lower…

The current obsession with standardizing curricula and measuring output may further reduce teacher agency and marginalize segments of our society that are already cheated by the system. Enormous discrepancies exist among public-school facilities, resources, and teachers. Multicultural education will suffer unless legislatures address these…

The Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE) is a consortium of 10 public colleges and universities that funds proposals from regional schools for creative initiatives that encourage students toward postsecondary education. College attendance rates from Appalachian Ohio have increased, and the OACHE model is being applied to programs…