Describes changes in U.S. demographic patterns involving transiency, racial and ethnic diversity, and poverty. Discusses four implications for principals: Be prepared to deal with greater diversity; expect to see fewer children from traditional two-parent families; focus on quality preschool programs; be aware of local demographic trends. (PKP)

Argues that poor and minority students' access to quality teachers can significantly narrow the achievement gap. Describes research showing the effects of quality teaching on academic achievement and teacher-quality provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act. Suggests several ways to improve teacher quality such as salary increases, subsidized…

Current Chapter 1 remedial and compensatory education programs may not be worth the substantial funds being poured into them. To address shortcomings, such programs should be upgraded, reconceptualized as educational (not funding) programs, and fully integrated into the total school program. Includes 14 references. (MLH)

Residency requirements, transportation needs, lost records, the timeliness for special education placement, and substantiated guardianship pose the main reasons for homeless children's barred access to education. Two national organizations offer suggestions for removing such barriers, and exemplary efforts to educate homeless youth are occurring…

Presents interview and survey data collected from samples of economically disadvantaged Australian secondary school students and school leavers. Previous claims that students are unwilling to remain in school because they dislike schooling need closer examination. Blaming school structure and lack of teacher encouragement is not supported by…

The article reviews the premises, objectives, and practices of programs for the support and education of low-income parents from the mid- nineteenth century to the present. The society's ambivalence about poverty and communal responsibility for children is seen to still be the main constraint to greater program efficacy. (DB)

Nationally, only 49 percent of schools offering federally subsidized lunches take part in the breakfast program. Research indicates a connection between breakfast and learning. For many children, eating breakfast at home is not an option. Lists some of the unfounded concerns about breakfast programs that school officials raise, and provides…

Six predictor variables (gender, race, disadvantage, postsecondary plans, vocational education, career indecision) were 75% accurate in identifying career maturity and immaturity among 90 economically disadvantaged rural ninth graders. Career indecision and race were most important for career immaturity, race and disadvantage for career maturity.…

A "Discovery Program" implemented in 1989 to help underprivileged gifted and talented students in Israel advance in their chosen fields is described. The importance of local administration and participation is stressed, as are optimal ratios of underprivileged to privileged youth for maximum benefit to all. (PB)

Discusses the implementation of measures that view the restoration of moral order as a key to the reduction of poverty. Examines the history of this idea, notably in the works of Jacob Riis. The return to an emphasis on character is seen as a timely response to urban disorder and degeneracy. (DM)

A program was implemented in the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) Public Schools to provide screening, identification, and programming for primary-level gifted students from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged populations. The program's objectives include field testing recommended practices, developing appropriate identification procedures,…

Describes the provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, also known as the Welfare Reform Act, and discusses implications for young children with disabilities, their families, and early-intervention programs under Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (DB)

Reviews the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRA) of 1996 and examines its details and implications. Discusses the philosophies and values of counseling psychology in the context of realities and misconceptions of the past welfare system. Recommends points of entry for counseling psychologists.…

A study investigated the effects of the placement of five economically disadvantaged minority students, who were identified in kindergarten as potentially academically gifted through nontraditional means, in a gifted school. Six-year follow-up data suggest that the student's academic careers have for the most part progressed well. Performance…

Identifies key characteristics of indigenous sole-parent families relative to other such Australian families and analyzes the factors associated with their ongoing levels of economic disadvantage. Raises issues about the efficacy of job-skill-development programs. (Author/JOW)