This report highlights the interconnectedness of welfare reform and broader strategies concerning the economy, education, and the conditions of work. Recommendations are presented for policies that would help working poor families avoid dependence on welfare. The report is divided into five chapters. Chapter I summarizes major findings and…

This paper focuses on the causes, consequences and prevention of the alarming number of pregnancies among black teenagers. Teenage pregnancy is a symptom of the failure to have one's basic spiritual, intellectual/emotional, and physical needs met. Unmet infantile needs cause adolescents to search for romantic relationships in which they can…

A study examined longitudinal differences in the academic achievement of economically advantaged and economically disadvantaged pupils of high, average, and low academic ability in grades 2 through 9. Data used were the 1982 and 1985 Stanford Achievement Test Reading Comprehension results of the Palm Beach County, Florida, school district. The…

A discussion is presented on the problem of declining minority enrollment in higher education, and in particular, teacher education. Poverty is cited as a major factor in decreasing college attendance on the part of minority students. The pressure to raise admission standards and the use of the National Teacher Examiniation to determine whether a…

A study examined the effects of the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (TJTC) program on the employment and earnings of disadvantaged persons. Three outcomes--average quarterly wages, average number of quarters employed, and average wages during employed quarters--were studied for various categories of disadvantaged persons (economically disadvantaged…

This report provides information about programs that can be replicated and resources that can be tapped to design and implement strategies for helping women on welfare become productive employees. The first part describes major welfare programs in the United States and welfare-to-work programs initiated in selected states over the past several…

Because of recent criticism of the use of standardized tests to identify gifted individuals, the focus for identification of gifted adolescents has shifted to acceptance of three interrelated aspects: (1) above average ability; (2) task commitment; and (3) creativity. It is now recognized that talented individuals will only do well in…

Investigated by this study were effects--at state, county, and family levels--of federal cuts and changes on day care services in New York State, focusing on areas outside New York City. At the state level, the study examined policies shaping delivery of day care services to the poor and state systems for tracking changes in funding and children…

Educational and training programs have been successful in recruiting disadvantaged young adults because they also provide other services (e.g., food, money, and shelter); yet, client participation in the programs is often minimal. Client lack of utilization of academic and vocational training programs can be categorized in three areas. These are…

This paper describes the response of one locality, a rural county in Western Massachusetts, to the reality of rural homelessness. Jessie's House, in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, is a short-term emergency shelter providing meals, housing, and advocacy to homeless families and individuals. The shelter has a staff of three full-time residents and…

The booklet addresses issues regarding the prevalence of mental retardation. Difficulties in obtaining prevalence figures are noted, specifically limitations of the use of the population curve. Prevalence studies are reviewed and methodological problems cited. Sex, age, and socioeconomic factors in the prevalence of mental retardation are…

Following an executive summary and introduction, the report is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 presents evidence of hunger in Texas, which is revealed to be a growing problem. Statistics on the number of persons living in poverty, unemployed persons not receiving unemployment insurance benefits, and persons seeking food assistance from both…

To assess the impact of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) on youth employment and training, an examination of its implementation in New York City was undertaken. This study focused on the training, educational, and support activities in the local JTPA during the program's first year (1984-5), with special attention paid to the effects of…

Summer job programs for youth, including Federal programs and private-public partnerships, have come, over the years, to emphasize either short-term or long-term goals. Short-term goals include providing summer activity to the largest possible number of teens, providing income to economically disadvantaged youth, and providing structured work…

This summary report provides information on two surveys of views of the local black communities and Further Education (FE) teachers regarding FE provision. Part I offers background. Part II highlights these common themes: (1) the context is one of a black population exposed to acute economic and social disadvantage; (2) a serious information gap…