Parent involvement in their children's educational experiences enhances student achievement. Low socioeconomic status (SES) and Black families often lack the human and material resources needed for a positive academic environment at home; however, positive learning environments do exist in some low-SES Black homes. More developmentally oriented,…

Addresses attitudes toward reading resulting in beginning reading instruction in the kindergarten and preschool curriculum. Argues that previously accepted notions of the necessity of reading readiness are no longer viable and encourages home and classroom support for the acquisition of reading abilities through written and oral language. (DST)

Data collected from 30 East Los Angeles Mexican American mothers, using semistructured interviews, indicated that family related variables distinguish families of gang members from control families. Youths in gangs are more likely to come from families which put less emphasis on intrafamilial socialization, youth supervision, and outward…

This study analyzed data from the National Survey of America's Families to determine the effects of particular child, parent, and family factors on serious emotional and behavioral problems of children. The results were tabulated in the form of odds ratios that depict the likelihood or degree of risk of each factor. The factors were also examined…

This paper constructs a multi-systemic picture of the impact of family violence on children, families, and society through a review of the empirical literature in these areas and their inter-relationships. Findings from the review include: (1) the experience of physical abuse has been associated with aggression toward others, children who have…

This paper explores research on use of medication and non-drug interventions to modify the behavior of preschool children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It begins by discussing the symptoms of ADHD, neurological differences between children with ADHD and those without ADHD, and expected adolescent and adult outcomes for…

This study examined the views of kindergarten, first-, and second-grade teachers regarding families' competence to contribute knowledge to their child's educational process. In the first part of the study, 33 teachers from a variety of schools participated in small-group nominal group technique discussions. Their beliefs then contributed to the…

Reviews and considers the developmental implications of recent evidence on the nature of sibling interaction from observational studies of preschool children. Argues that, in contrast to complementary interaction, sibling influence is most plausibly associated with reciprocal interaction and with sociocognitive development. (Author/RH)

Seventeen Mexican American women (aged 28-40) from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who had completed J.D., M.D., and Ph.D. degrees were interviewed about their backgrounds. Most important background variables contributing to the high educational achievement were: strong models provided by mothers, emotional support of families, attendance at…

As the adolescent matures, drinking situations occur outside of the home with friends. This period is characterized by drinking habits, patterns, and attitudes which are different from those of the parent population; the peer group and situational factors are significant influences on drinking behavior during this phase. (Author)

Fifty Peruvian physicians who decided to remain in the United States after postgraduate training disclose professional, economic and familial reasons for their decision. Fears of being unable to obtain a position that is professionally stimulating and that pays enough to support the family dominate the decision. (LC)

Two issues were studied: students' perceptions of various situational influences of the school environment with regard to locus of control, and the relationship of situational influences to academic achievement. Situational influences involving parents, parental interaction, or home environment were most related to achievement. (MH)

Argues that the purported decline in public education is exaggerated and the accomplishments of public education neglected. Offers favorable evidence on student achievement and minority-majority comparisons, and suggests that recent trends in educational expenditures, class size, and curricular patterns should boost achievement. Addresses…

Rural high school graduates are less likely to graduate from college than their urban counterparts, mostly because they are less likely to attend college. Half of rural college attendees leave home and do not return by age 25. Those that do return are drawn largely by home ties and intervening life choices rather than local job opportunities.…

This study examined why Australian high school students decided to continue or discontinue their schooling, using a comprehensive theoretical model to examine the issue. Three surveys of 817 tenth-grade students over a 13-month period indicated that the theoretical model adequately and appropriately explained and predicted students' persistence…