Disadvantaged preschool children attending a program of compensatory education were studied to determine if change in self-concept, delay of gratification, and exercise of self-control were related to growth in achievement. Girls displayed self-concept growth and a decline in delay of gratification, while boys showed growth in self-control.…

Analysis of results from a study of 41 grades three and four Native students found significant positive correlations among self-concept, academic achievement, and teacher expectations and low positive relationship between creativity and academic achievement. Support for the phenomena of age grade deceleration and academic retardation with…

Results of a study of disadvantaged primary school children which focused on effects of exposure to Logo, microcomputer social interaction, and children's expressed interest in computers, are discussed in context of relevant literature. It is concluded computer literacy should be primary goal at this level and computer equity is crucial. (MBR)

This study examined the long-term performance of three cohorts of Head Start graduates as they proceeded through a single school system. Information was taken from application cards and from a computerized pupil data base. Overall findings showed that students who attended Head Start performed better than the comparison group. (LMO)

Describes a study which assessed impact of computer assisted instruction on reading and mathematics achievement of disadvantaged youths participating in US Department of Labor's Job Corps, a federal vocational and educational program. Greater reading achievement gains but no statistically significant mathematics gains were found in experimental…

To provide the conditions for a lasting equality of educational opportunity and results, schools should: (1) enter into a partnership with each family for the educational and social development of the child; and (2) lead a cooperative effort involving other agencies and organizations to create an educative community. (RDN)

Argues that mismatches between home and classroom environments play an important part in accounting for the low academic performance of many low-status, especially minority, students. Discusses approaches emphasizing cooperative learning and individualized instruction for use with culturally different students in desegregated settings. (RDN)

"A Nation at Risk" is only one of a number of recent major reports on educational reform that, contrary to popular opinion, do not necessarily share its major premises and conclusions. The report's emphasis on rigor and excellence threatens to increase the dropout rate and impose uniformity on American students. (JBM)

Describes the Coordinated Vocational Academic Education in Office Duplication Practices program designed to keep disadvantaged students in school, provide them with entry-level skills, and supply them with confidence. Examines the problems these students face, type of student served, equipment needed, instructional areas, teacher training, and the…

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Testing Goes to Preschool: Will State and Federal Testing Programs Advance the Goal of School Readiness for All Children? (Robert Rothman); (2)…

This paper quantitatively analyzes the incidence of public education spending on the poor in developing countries by using the results of standard benefit-incidence studies and additional national data. Although there is considerable variation across studies, it is found that public education spending generally does not favor the poor, but it does…

This is the 2nd "New Jersey City Kids Count," a snapshot of child well-being in New Jersey's largest and poorest cities. The report serves to measure progress and challenges in the cities where most of New Jersey's poorest children are growing up. The Association for Children of New Jersey, with funding from the Annie E. Casey…

The United States of America is often called the "land of opportunity," a place where hard work and sacrifice lead to economic success. Across generations, countless families have been able to live out that promise. However, more than one out of four American working families now earn wages so low that they have difficulty surviving…

There has been a serious decline in academic achievement in both the general and special populations and what we have found is that these students are not doing as well as they should be. Less than one-third of American students are doing well in reading, writing, math, science, and other important subjects. The National Assessment of Education…

These hearing transcripts present testimony on removing barriers that may impede the successful integration of Head Start with other programs that serve to prepare disadvantaged children for success. It begins with the prepared statements of Honorable Michael N. Castle, Chairman, Subcommittee on Education Reform, Committee on Education and the…