Migrations to the Sun Belt, exodus from urban areas, the aging of the baby-boom generation, and single-parent families are significantly altering the needs and priorities of America's schools. (Author/JM)

Discusses a study conducted to show how factors such as depression, somatization, and acculturation affect the academic performance of Mexican-American women in community colleges. Results indicate these variables have no significant relationship to academic performance. Includes 24 citations. (JDI)

Evaluated a family economic stress model that links economic well-being to child well-being among African American and Hispanic children from low-income families, mostly headed by single mothers. Found that lower economic well-being adversely impacted parent's psychological well-being; these parents felt less effective in disciplinary interactions…

A study examined the decision making processes of 29 Hispanic families who have a child with hearing impairments. Results indicate language and cultural barriers often complicate deliberations of parents. The communication method chosen tended to be the one recommended by professionals, usually a combination of spoken English and sign language.…

This study used a national sample of Mexican Americans to develop structural equation models of the effects of 4 eighth- grade latent variables on educational expectations 6 years later. Findings indicated that parents' influences had a strong positive effect on educational expectations at late adolescence. Parents' influence dominated effects of…

Examined the relationship between Latino paraeducators and the teachers with whom they worked within two elementary schools with predominantly low-income, Hispanic students. Observation and interview data indicated that paraprofessionals engaged almost entirely in low level activities and had access to only a narrow set of the practices in which…

A sample of 236 elementary-level Black, Hispanic, and Anglo pupils, referred or nonreferred for learning disabilities, were assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised and the Kaufman-Assessment Battery for Children cognitive and achievement scales. Results showed that referral status, ethnicity, and language proficiency…

Recent findings on differential item functioning (DIF) for minority examinees (Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Blacks) taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are presented, and the standardization approach to assessing DIF is described. Item characteristics related to DIF that generalize across ethnic groups are discussed. (SLD)

Describes study to identify alterable factors associated with academic achievement of economically poor Black and Hispanic middle- and high-school students. Compares 361 high- and low-achievers on social-psychological variables. Results suggest specific actions educators can take to encourage achievement. (MW)

Describes the comprehensive approach taken by the Center for Pre-College Programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology to motivate and prepare students for higher education. Discusses precollege programs, secondary school programs, and elementary school programs. Explores the impact of the program on the success of the students. (MVL)

Points out the power that television has in shaping opinions and in promoting and banishing stereotypes. Presents examples of positive role models in both entertainment and news programing. Emphasizes the importance of reflecting a pluralistic society in news reporting. (LS)

Reports on a study that examines how teachers' expectations of students' performance relates to race and social class when the targets of evaluation are Hispanic and White. Examines how teachers modify such judgments based on additional information and determines the criteria teachers believe they are using when making evaluations. (LS)

A model of clinical supervision for assisting therapists to develop culturally responsive therapy approaches contains the following stages: (1) introducing a culturally sensitive, cross-cultural perspective; (2) introducing a sociocultural framework and analysis of oppression; (3) exploring the supervisee's own biases, stereotypes, and racism; and…

A study examined migrant farmworkers' perceptions regarding their early schooling, the significance of education, family support for learning, and their participation in adult basic education programs. Suggests that adult basic education programs should address the totality of needs that migrant learners bring to the educational setting. Overviews…

Offers a personal account of the changes undergone, difficulties surmounted, and incentives involved in a Mexican-American woman's achievement of a doctorate and a post as a university professor. Concludes that just as students adapt, institutions must also change to accommodate culturally diverse populations. (DMM)