Examines the impact of children's attendance at preschool on teaching and learning in 77 low-income Hawaiian families' homes. Data from the families (18 participating in a year-long series of interviews) illustrate the development of 2 parental scripts, 1 for skills used in the home, and 1 for preparation for school. (SLD)

Six Black men in their midtwenties, all from inner-city school, expressed their feelings about what it means to be a Black man and their views of family. Participants had taken varying steps toward overcoming negative self-images but still had many obstacles to overcome. (SLD)

Increasing teachers' senses of efficacy toward educating minority, poor, and low achieving students is an important element of school restructuring. Changing societal values toward individual differences and misconceptions about students' abilities to learn is essential. Teacher behaviors that are effective with low achievers are effective for all…

This interview with Elsie Vartanian, Director of the Women's Bureau of the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, reviews the impact of economic and technological changes on women in the workplace, and examines major challenges these changes present. The role of the Women's Bureau in promoting and improving employment…

Demonstrates how several factors interact to diminish the chances of academic success for the children of public housing, and suggests how these chances might be improved. A first step is renewed commitment to housing conditions. Reduction of class size is a strong option for increasing achievement for children. (SLD)

Proposes a Marshall Plan for America to be implemented by the private sector and volunteer organizations as well as government. Goals related to improving the conditions in which U.S. minorities live are established for the business community, educators, and the African-American community. The African-American community must commit itself to…

Examines the privatized management of the complete urban public school system of Chelsea (Massachusetts), the first example of school system privatization in the country. The role of Boston University and resistance of the Latino population are studied, and implications for educational reform and minority politics are examined. (SLD)

Argues that policy development framework for school reform under the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 must occur in state and local settings and possess advocates for at-risk students who can enter the community dialog concerning education. Policies should focus on the classroom with administrators and teachers continually striving for…

Reviews 36 studies of both model demonstration projects and large-scale public programs to examine the long-term effects of these programs on children from low-income families. Results show early childhood programs can produce significant short-term benefits on intelligence quotient, and important long-term benefits on school achievement, grade…

Argues that schools need to provide greater diversity of services to children, thus strengthening academic achievement. Case studies are highlighted, indicating that schools need to create a foundation for personal growth and achievement that includes services not only for the children but for their families and communities. Recommendations for…

Notes that many from across the ideological spectrum suggest that welfare reform address policies that promote marriage and two-parent families. Discusses marriage, family structure and economic well-being, the benefits of marriage for adults and children, and low-income unwed mothers and marriage. Suggests that marriage and two-parent families…

Rural job growth remains behind that of metro areas, hindering efforts to move welfare recipients into successful employment. Those most in need of public assistance have less education, lower earnings, and higher unemployment than average. Welfare recipients are concentrated in rural areas marked by chronic economic distress and low-skilled,…

This study critically examined the factors influencing public attitudes toward teacher education in Nigeria. It analysed a series of nationwide surveys of negative public attitude toward the teaching profession using parents and prospective university students as respondents. A questionnaire made up of 12 items was used to gather data on public…

Single-sex public schools are seen as a vehicle for improving the educational experiences of low-income and minority students. Our two-year ethnographic study of low-income and minority students who attended experimental single-sex academies in California indicates that improving achievement involves more than separating students by gender. Using…

A high prevalence of dental caries in the pediatric population is a major health problem. At highest risk are low-income minority groups, including refugee and immigrant populations. Consequences of oral disease include pain, difficulty eating and speaking, poor school performance, and poor self-esteem. Parent involvement in oral health education…