A modified Children's Fear Survey Schedule was used to study 294 low and middle socioeconomic status (SES) Hispanic and Anglo children, aged 7 to 9. Girls and low-SES children reported more intense and more frequent fears. Hispanics did not differ from Anglos. Most-feared items were danger, death, and physical injury. Developmental issues and…

A study suggests that while the pool of top black achievers in college is small, there are some common factors in their experiences that, if replicated among larger numbers of students, might allow many more to succeed. These factors include better college preparation, greater access to educated and influential role models and social networks, and…

Investigates familial alcoholism effects and the comparative probability of risk that adult children of alcoholics have for alcohol dependence. Results, based on a national survey of 12,686 young adults over a five-year period, show that the risk for alcoholism is relatively greater for males than females. (MKA)

Poverty-stricken Honduras offers unlimited service-learning opportunities. In one international school, service learning has become part of school culture. Innovative hospital and shelter projects have transformative potential for the school's aristocratic students, who are likely to become Honduras's future leaders and shape the country's future.…

Research suggests that children living in poverty show progressively lower test scores as they age. The Abecedarian research project contrasted a birth-to-age-five intervention program with a school-grade intervention program. When given IQ and achievement tests at various ages, children who had received preschool treatment consistently outscored…

Describes a study of the availability of books in low-income schools with literature-based curriculums. Focuses on two scenarios or snapshots of elementary schools in the study. Discusses seven recommendations for creating a supportive literacy environment. (TB)

Attempts to explain how institutional mechanisms such as labor markets and pensions stratify the availability of resources and rewards, and interact with life course processes related to labor force history and job mobility to produce income and wealth inequality among the elderly. (SNR)

Investigates educational equity and efficiency of higher education in Argentina. Concludes that despite the fact that public universities are tuition-free, only students from the richest families in Argentina are able to attend universities. Suggests improving higher education equality and efficiency by charging tuition fees and offering selective…

Study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Classroom Performance Profile (CPP), a teacher rating scale, using economically-disadvantaged students as they progressed from kindergarten to third grade. Results suggest that the CPP ratings were positively correlated with measures of academic achievement, academic competence, and social skills,…

Discussion of complexities in serving economically disadvantaged culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities in inclusive settings uses cultural-historical activity theory to stress the need to consider issues in ethics, power, and privilege broadly and continually to promulgate more equitable and effective inclusive education…

Examines the scope of poverty and the growing disparity in income among people. Discusses the consequences of poverty for adults and children and presents strategies to improving their resilience. Although focusing on individual characteristics can enhance resilience, it suggests that the best changes will come about with improved national…

The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Title I) embodies a 35-year national commitment to help educate economically and educationally disadvantaged children. Enhanced achievement expectations and a resurgent child poverty rate should spur Congress to renew Title I funding by the end of 1999-2000. (14 references) (MLH)

A critical issue related to the use of simulation environments in school-based learning is the relationship between the use of these environments and the structure of traditional curricula. Teachers are often caught in the bind of attempting to address significantly raised standards for what all students should know, yet receiving very little…

This article discusses the tricks of the trade that legislatures in formerly de jure segregated states might use to maintain racial funding disparities in existence before Brown and whether such ploys might be vulnerable to legal challenges. The first section provides an overview of modern school finance formulas and explains how legislatures in…

Black Issues In Higher Education first started publishing a year after the 1983 "A Nation at Risk" report shocked many into taking seriously the sorry nature of elementary and secondary education in this country. The report's dire warnings of a "rising tide of mediocrity," bolstered by data on the rarity of academic rigor in American schools, have…