The relationship between the age of first coital experience and the sexual behaviors of adolescents in their late teens is examined. Separate analyses are done for females and males and for Black and White youth. Findings suggest that early coital onset has enduring effects and that early intervention is indicated. (AF)

Notes that, since 1982, the proportion of children in out-of-home care placed with relatives has increased rapidly and substantially, accompanied by decrease in number of foster families. Presents a range of definitions, policy issues, and ways of conceptualizing kinship care; emphasizes the experience of children and families of color as they…

Contends that stereotypical views about South Africa are commonly held by teachers and students. Presents information on South Africa's history, geography, population distribution, and environment. Includes demographic charts, natural resource and population maps, and an annotated chronology of significant events in South African history. (CFR)

Contends that Afrocentricity is beginning to emerge as a powerful force within the African American community. Discusses issues related to Afrocentrism and educational reform. Argues that Afrocentrism can be a complementary aspect of multicultural education. (CFR)

Data from the 1993-94 ACT Assessment and a follow-up were examined to see how many black and white students eventually enrolled in what had been their first-choice colleges. Results for 12,448 blacks and 125,298 whites indicate that initial choices by blacks are more liable to change. (SLD)

Contains articles on the black experience in higher education, including affirmative action issues, enrollment trends at both black and Ivy League colleges, black appointments in higher education favoring men and other gender issues, and blacks in college coaching. State- and school-specific articles concerning segregation, black leadership in…

Qualitative and quantitative studies of a class of 208 urban eighth graders demonstrate that loose-knit peer groups encourage interracial integration, whereas cliques do not. Loose-knit voluntary peer groups created by the social dynamic of cafeteria table hopping provide an opportunity for meaningful cross-race interaction. (SLD)

Examines characteristics of successful book-reading programs for low-income African-American children and parents to encourage literacy. The paper focuses on the Parents as Partners in Reading program which encouraged and guided parents in specific, appropriate ways to assist in their children's development and learning. (SM)

Describes the Middle College High School (MCHS) at Seattle (Washington) Central Community College, a public schools cooperative venture among the school system, community college, Seattle Housing Authority, and corporate sponsor. The MCHS enrolls students at risk of dropping out and boasts an impressive effort in retaining and educating these…

The extent and impact of racial and ethnic segregation in California high schools in the 1988-89 school year are examined, using data on 896 high schools and 198,127 twelfth-grade students. Racial segregation and ethnic segregation are widespread. Segregation can lead to achievement differences across schools and among ethnic groups. (SLD)

Argues that deficit/deficiency explanations of minority groups' poor academic performance and attrition at higher education levels are untenable. A cultural difference perspective suggests practical means to identify solutions to these phenomena. College faculty must assume responsibility for adapting instructional and counseling services to…

Analyzes African-American and white females' plans for education for 4,573 high school seniors in 1980 from the High School and Beyond Survey. When other factors are controlled, African-American females have plans for higher levels of education, as do females from high-income families and those with mothers with more education. (SLD)

How parent configuration (2-parent, mother-extended, or solo-mother) and number of siblings affect first graders' conformity to the student role was studied for 256 African-American and 228 white students. The positive effects of two-parent families may have been overestimated in previous research in which sibling effects are neglected. (SLD)

Studied effects at grade 4 of early grade retention for 1,255 low-income mostly African-American children (20.4 percent had been retained from kindergarten to grade 3). Retention negatively affected cognitive reading and mathematics achievement, had no relation to teacher ratings of school adjustment, and positively affected children's perceived…

To improve urban schools, we must create a culture of success for African-American students. A multicultural education that infuses African and African-American history and culture throughout the curriculum is appropriate at this time because problems have reached such critical proportions. (SLD)