School-based mutual support groups (MSGs) are proposed to enhance school involvement of parents from lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds. A school-based MSG format is presented with results of a survey of interests from 62 parents (36 respondents and 26 nonrespondents) and a discussion of a pilot demonstration in 3 urban elementary…

Provides an overview of the inequalities of access to higher education in Greece at the national level showing patterns of differentiation between the scientific disciplines and between occupations in the labor market. Offers the "Indices of Educational Opportunities" to show the patterns of student distribution in universities and other…

The relationship between prenatal drug exposure, emotional and behavioral disorder (E/BD) identification in Head Start, and subsequent special education kindergarten placement in 145 Head Start children (ages 3-4) was examined. Results showed that 47% of the drug-exposed group versus 35% of the non-drug-exposed group met classification criteria…

Explains how Texas overcame limited educational funding and demographic disadvantages and became one of the highest-performing states in the nation in elementary-school achievement. It describes how educators found innovative ways to raise achievement when they were given the freedom to experiment while being simultaneously held accountable for…

Discusses the transferring of Medicaid recipients to managed care in Oregon and the effects on physical therapy and occupational therapy services for children with disabilities. Describes a process that balances fiscally responsible utilization of therapy resources with advocacy for appropriate therapy services. Guidelines for services are…

Examines the history of two Swedish pre-school institutions: (1) the child-crib, a full-day institution for supervision of children of poor parents and (2) the kindergarten, a pedagogically-based half-day activity for children of wealthier parents. Explores the social contexts in which these family and childcare institutions belonged. (CMK)

A Maine study found that homework often disrupts family life, interferes with parents' own teachings, and punishes children in poverty for lacking computer access and/or a supportive home environment. The standards movement requires teaching in a more tightly controlled system, leaving no room for homework, an unknown variable. (Contains 13…

A survey of 468 practicing family physicians, general internists, and pediatricians examined relationships between educational debt and specialty choice, practice location choice, and types of patients treated. Results indicate that the high costs of medical training promoted rural work and care for poor patients by prompting generalists to commit…

Examines how the concepts of service and community might be made to serve the interests of those who are the heart of urban schools: students, their families, and neighborhood residents. The article introduces a model of community schools that is oriented to the inner-directed development of inner-city neighborhoods. (GR)

Argues that present day reality in the United States shows society is still separated by race and that the racial separation found in the school system is an accurate reflection of the nation. The author reflects on how racial separation and the separation of wealth adversely affect quality education for blacks and other minorities. (GR)

Findings from interviews of street children in Pretoria, South Africa, are presented, discussed, and compared with past research. Indicates the average age of South African street children is 13 years. Most are males of African origin; have been on the streets three years or longer; and cited family violence, parental alcoholism, abuse, and…

Examines the interventions associated with the Say Yes to Education program, a college tuition-guarantee program that was promised to graduating sixth graders from inner-city, low-income families. The program's critical point is that students would not take advantage of opportunities without transforming relationships and a widening sense of…

Presents statistical information on rates of violence and victimization in a substance abuse program for homeless mothers, with accompanying anecdotal details to indicate the depth and effects of the problem. The majority of the women acknowledged incidents of childhood and adult victimization, and reported engaging in adult aggressive or abusive…

In 1999, the percentage of low-wage workers in rural areas was higher than in urban areas or in 1979. The share of women and minorities in low-wage work stabilized, but the share of White men increased. Low-wage work increased in higher-skilled occupations, and the share of college educated low-wage workers increased significantly since 1979. (TD)

Draws on a project undertaken for the United Kingdom Government Department for Education and Employment, focusing on the role of ethnic monitoring in identifying low attainment and the investigation of ways to raise attainment. Offers suggestions for the use of ethnic monitoring of school processes. (CMK)