Explores psychosocial stressors associated with adolescent pregnancy and drug abuse among 104 mothers between 13 and 21 years of age. Results suggest that drug-abusing mothers were depressed, whereas the nondrug-abusing mothers were not depressed. Drug-abusing mothers reported more mental and physical health problems, more problematic…

Describes the current state of evidence of effectiveness for replicable programs available to elementary and middle schools serving many students placed at risk, and provides Title I schools with information on the instructional outcomes of programs they might consider to meet student needs. Characteristics of programs identified as effective are…

Explored individual-difference factors that might differentially predict perceived gender discrimination in a sample of 138 female and 157 male undergraduates. Differences in gender patterns in the relationship of self-esteem to perceptions of discrimination suggest that perceptions of discrimination serve different purposes for structurally…

Examined ethical conflicts arising in an Australian evaluation of care options for indigenous children and young people deemed to be at risk of neglect or abuse. Discusses ways the conflicts were addressed and identifies implications for evaluation practice. (SLD)

Tests the Primary Socialization Hypothesis of deviant behavior in examining drug use in a sample of adolescents participating in a federally sponsored program for disadvantaged youth. The theory holds that peer, family, and schools are the principal agents in instilling pro-social norms in adolescents. As predicted by the theory, family and school…

The new technology coordinator at a Chicago elementary school in a low-income Latino community created a computer course for parents and a neighborhood computer club. The course and club created a means for collaboration between the school and community and for parent involvement in their children's education. (MLF)

This case study of a novice teacher used sociotransformative constructivism as the theoretical framework of the examination of the preservice year and first year of teaching. Presents insights into the issues and difficulties a beginning teacher of Anglo-European background faces working with predominantly Latino children in an impoverished…

Research indicates that low achievement scores relate significantly to high school mobility rates. One explanation for this relationship is curricular inconsistency. Some suggest that school choice could contribute to a solution by breaking the link between a child's home address and school address, thus allowing students to remain at one school…

The achievement gap persists within U.S. classrooms. Although teachers do make a difference in terms of what and how much students achieve, educational practitioners and policy makers would be well served to consider social inequities created by demographic realities, instructional practices that engender broad student participation, and…

Examines the legislative context of the new McKinney-Vento provisions, looking at the characteristics of homelessness and the resultant educational barriers that these provisions are attempting to address, and describing how two Texas school districts have responded to the challenges of providing transportation to ensure that students in homeless…

Reviews the College Board's report, "Reaching the Top," which addresses educational underrepresentation of high-achieving minority students, suggesting that race-based programs are usually just a quick fix and asserting that until minorities are seen as equals, they will not be viewed as individuals, and until color takes a back seat to…

Describes the "It Takes a Valley" program, which provides future teachers extensive early field experience and opportunities to develop strategies for success in high-needs schools. The program emphasizes collaboration, service learning, and student cohorts. Data from participants' journals and formal evaluations indicate that the…

In this interview with Wade Horn, commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, it is noted that Head Start has been successful because it has prepared disadvantaged children for entrance into public schools. Future Head Start goals are to include all eligible children, provide service to the entire family, and maintain…

Describes a Youth Service Project Program for teen mothers in Chicago. The program uses a bicultural approach that provides teens with a supportive social network and the opportunity to acquire parenting and literacy skills. (PCB)

Contends that the school reform movement has not confronted adequately some of the harsh realities encountered by school officials and faculty members. Effective reform requires (1) identifying a core of common knowledge; (2) giving priority to teacher recruitment, recognition, and renewal; (3) finding better ways to measure student progress; and…