There is an implicit general plan currently uniting federal and state financing policies, however, it is inefficient, inequitable, and ineffective, involving obsolete state financing policies and mistaken federal responses. Implementation of another plan available would require federal intervention in state financing policies. (MLW)

This longitudinal study assessed differences in classroom arrangements (peer tutoring versus teacher instruction) and student behaviors for students of low versus high socioeconomic status (SES). Results with 94 teachers and 416 students indicate that peer tutoring was more effective in increasing academic engagement of low-SES students than…

Provides an overview of the current state of health services in rural America and examines policy changes being made through Congressional action. Presents suggestions for further research and legislative actions. Discusses the role that individual psychologists can play in improving mental health services in rural areas. (MW)

The interaction between state educational reform and curricular services for special needs students, mainly the economically disadvantaged, is discussed in the context of state and federal compensatory education services. Data from eight schools in California suggest that such services can succeed and that excellence and equity can be compatible.…

Recent national information is presented on the relationships among school district poverty, local fiscal needs and capacities, and Chapter 1 allocation levels. Focus is on assessing how the relationship between poverty and local fiscal capacity affects a school district's state/local revenue base. Targeting federal compensatory aid correctly is…

The 3rd phase of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Urban Systemic Initiative adds 7 new cities to its program to boost science and mathematics education in urban schools, with grants totaling $105 million. The program supports curriculum development to improve college preparation of students in socially and economically underprivileged areas.…

Reviews research on attitudes of citizens of industrialized nations toward the causes of poverty in developing nations. Reports on a study of 89 British adults and their attitudes toward poverty in the developing world. Finds attitudes of "Blame the Poor" that are consistent with previous research. (CFR)

Provides a foundation for school counselors to address the educational needs of homeless children in the schools, first by defining homelessness and the consequences of homelessness for children and second, by describing pragmatic means for intervention. (Author)

Results are presented of a national survey of state policies regarding identification of gifted students from special populations (culturally diverse families, economic disadvantagement, or gifted students with disabilities). Also considered is a followup study on the implementation of state policies in Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas. Future policy…

Provides a psychotheological interpretation of rap music by African-American male artists and of its audience, examining the music and its social context. Common themes include despair over acute psychosocial and physical needs, intensity and violence as a means of personal integration, ontological insecurity, and desire for transformation and…

Six articles provide an overview of the multiple approaches to evaluating the problems of homelessness and introduce the challenges of evaluating interventions for the homeless. The first part focuses on research about homelessness, and the second part describes major demonstration programs and their evaluations. (SLD)

Studies attitudes and perceptions of 122 incoming African-American first-year college students at a predominantly white university in 1989. Comparison of their attrition rates with those of their counterparts in 1984 shows only a marginal decline. Despite initial favorable attitudes, many students did not have a positive first year. (SLD)

A national survey examined state policies for identification of gifted students who are culturally different, economically disadvantaged, disabled, or in some way at risk. Progress was found in the areas of greater public awareness, screening procedures, formal identification processes, and program initiatives. A sidebar describes the Jacob K.…

Ethnographic methods coupled with ethnohistorical documents make it possible to learn far more about 56 street children in Colombia than through logical empiricism alone. Many street children fare better than is the popular perception, and many are part of families that function to bring them to early independence. (SLD)

This article describes the development of a multifaceted evaluation strategy to assess the effects of guaranteed subsidized child care on the subsequent attainment of welfare independence and aggregate welfare expenditures for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Advantages of a multimethod approach are discussed. (SLD)