Growth in rural communities, along with attendant changes in social, economic and environmental conditions, challenges members of these communities to take even more responsibility for their lives than in the past. While there is a need to promote sustainable economic prosperity, it is important that developmental approaches should not compromise…

This Strategic Action Plan for Advancing Math and Science Education is an initial outline of strategies, actions, measures of progress, resources needed, timelines, and responsible parties. The Plan focuses on these three main goals: (1) increasing student interest, participation, and achievement in math and science; (2) raising public support and…

This study presents an analysis of economics instruction for high school students in various nations in the world and a rationale for economics instruction in Russia to develop a market-oriented economy. The development of the present economic curriculum in the United States is traced and the "Framework for Teaching Economics" (1977),…

In policy debates, the U.S. education and training (ET) system is often blamed for the nation's eroding position in the world economy. Long-term international analysis reveals little evidence of deindustrialization or falling labor productivity. However, other industrial countries have caught up. Most economic research directly concerned with ET…

This study analyzes Census data which indicate the following U.S. poverty trends for 1988: (1) the gap between rich and poor is wider than at any point in the post World War II era; (2) the poverty rate showed no improvement and remains higher than the most severe recession years of the 1970s; (3) the share of the national family income going to…

This publication provides the papers and discussions from a conference of economists, businesspersons, business historians, and politicians on entrepreneurship and public policy. "The Demographics of Entrepreneurship" (David Birch; Thomas Gray, commentator) describes research on the nature of job creation in the United States and Europe.…

This booklet examines Japan's unparalleled economic achievements and its growing political prominence. Reflecting upon Japan's economic, political, and societal dynamism, the document offers helpful insights into how this nation, nearly devoid of natural resources but blessed with a self-sacrificing, highly skilled, and dedicated work force, has…

Materials are provided for a unit to teach students to recognize the importance of labor in the growth of the economy. The 1- to 2-week unit is intended for a 12th-grade economics class. The lesson plan details concepts to be covered, rationale, instructional objectives, materials that will be used, teacher procedures, and student evaluation.…

This report of the Task Force on Jobs, Growth, and Competitiveness of the National Governors' Association is intended to serve as a blueprint for revitalizing the U.S. economy and creating new economic opportunity. The report presents a number of policy options for states to adapt to their own needs. Recommendations are based on the following…

Competitiveness is viewed as an umbrella for such concerns as trade and budget deficits, savings and investment rates, real wage growth, productivity growth, and retraining of dislocated workers. The main reason for interest in competitiveness in the United States now, it is suggested, is the recent massive U.S. trade deficit. The view is stressed…

EMPHASIS ON THE PROBLEMS OF TEACHING CULTURALLY DISADVANTAGED PUPILS HAS ONLY MADE THE TASK OF THE INNER-CITY TEACHER MORE DIFFICULT, AND HAS CREATED CONFUSION IN THE SCHOOLS REGARDING THE MEANS AND ENDS OF EDUCATION. NEGATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE SCHOOL AS THE PRIMARY VEHICLE FOR OVERCOMING CULTURAL GAPS AND WEAKNESSES MAY BE PARTIALLY DUE TO…

A comprehensive report on black employment in Chicago over the last decade is described. Employment, income, occupation, and industry are the four barometers analyzed. One finding of this analysis is that the proportion of unemployed blacks is twice that of whites. Both in Chicago and in the rest of the country, the dollar gap between median white…

This report is an addendum to a study whose purpose was to determine variables that contribute to the earning capacity of Illinois junior college graduates. Data were gathered from the Illinois Junior College Board and Bureau of the Budget, and from questionnaires sent to the 1968 graduates of three junior colleges in areas of high youth…

In spite of recent reforms, minorities remain marginalized, especially if they are poor. Correlations can be measured between schooling, class, and minority goals to show that equal opportunity in schooling is not sufficient to permit social mobility for all. Society must be reformed economically, racially, and structurally to eradicate…

Documents and explains immigrant-native born American trends and differentials in poverty and public assistance utilization from 1960-1980. Immigration over this period is characterized by increases in the following: (1) flow of immigration; (2) downward trend in immigrants entering under the family reunification provisions; (3) percentage…