Twenty socioeconomically middle-class mother/toddler dyads (half White and half African American) were video recorded during joint book-reading activities. Unlike an earlier study, most book-reading behaviors were similar between the two groups, although the White group used significantly more labeling than the African-American group. Results…

Observations in the infant room of a school-based daycare center for teen mothers revealed how "scripts" of White middle-class mothering were embraced or resisted by White teachers and (primarily) African-American student-mothers. Scripts of good mothering conflicted with similarly constructed scripts of the good student, emphasizing…

Analysis of National Educational Longitudinal Study data examined measures of parent/student involvement (parent/child discussion, involvement in parent/teacher organization, monitoring adolescent behavior, educational-support strategies) and their effects on achievement, truancy, and dropping out. Parental involvement generally explained…

A study examined, through extensive interviews, the academic, social, and racial experiences of high-achieving black students in a merit-based scholarship program for minority students in math, science, and engineering. Interviews focused on academic experiences in and outside the classroom, social interactions and relationships with…

Urban schools' success depends on their responsiveness to student, parent, and community needs. Responsive programs include alternative high-engagement, remedial, or "last-chance" schools; charter schools; full-service schools providing health and social services; immersion programs for single-gender African-American students;…

Health risk behaviors (substance use, violence, suicide, and car safety) of 194 African American urban adolescents with mild mental retardation were measured using either a confidential individual interview or an anonymous group survey. The survey methodology resulted in disclosure of more risk behaviors than the interview methodology. Elevated…

A study of 309 African American college students in summer academic enrichment programs at the Medical College of Georgia from 1980-89 found the most significant predictors of medical school admission were the Scholastic Assessment Test math score, summer program grade point average, college grade point average, career aspirations, college type,…

Some colleges and universities claim they can't find "eligible" African-American undergraduates to recruit into science and engineering graduate programs. Those that find and enroll students sometimes fail to graduate them. Experts who are succeeding say it is primarily a matter of will. Statistical and anecdotal information are used in…

This pilot study investigated self-esteem and achievement of 42 black male rural junior high school students identified as at-risk by their teachers. Self-esteem was significantly related to achievement test composite scores and science and mathematics subtests, as well as to average grade and English and social studies grades. (SLD)

Nine poor, adolescent, Appalachian girls--six of them Black--participated in a program that used math and science attitudes and achievement as vehicles to enhance life opportunities. Interviews explored their aspirations, support groups, gender relations, self-concepts, and resistance efforts in school. Girls should be taught to recognize and…

Discusses an interdisciplinary unit on Africa that was used with four-year-old students, mostly African Americans. Students studied African plains animals, built African round and square houses, experienced African music and stories, made African costumes, and took an imaginary trip to Africa. Includes an annotated bibliography. (CMK)

Argues for a reconsideration of how culture affects minority school adjustment and academic performance, suggesting that minorities who recognize cultural differences as barriers are more successful at crossing cultural boundaries. The author demonstrates this point through two case studies, one of a minority group that does not recognize cultural…

Argues that Mississippi has used every effort to block the higher education aspirations of its black citizens and describes the state's latest effort that involves setting higher admissions standards at the state's predominantly black universities. The history of unequal funding of higher education in the state is highlighted, as well as political…

A study examined how three Oklahoma institutions (Langston University, Tulsa Community College, University of Central Oklahoma) implemented a specific remedial education policy enacted by the state coordinating board for certain students. The analysis demonstrates how institutional actors ascribed sense to the goals, assumptions, and expectations…

Under Nelson Mandela's leadership, post-apartheid South Africa made a successful transition to democracy. High priority was given to educational reconstruction, particularly creating a curriculum connected to practical needs for a viable economy and life in a new democracy. President Thabo Mbeki is building on Mandela's policies. (Contains 17…