The North American Free Trade Agreement has generated serious debate regarding the stimulating effects of foreign investment on Mexico's economy. Saltillo, a metropolitan center in the mountains of Coahuila, has been positively affected by recent economic trends. But the village of General Cepeda, located just 50 miles from Saltillo, is relatively…

A study explored the quality of life of Latinos living in Dane County, Wisconsin. Data collection included door-to-door surveys, in-depth interviews, and analysis of government reports. Findings indicated Latinos often work in bad jobs, characterized by poverty-level wages, rare and inconsistent overtime pay, erratic and inflexible schedules, few…

This report assesses conditions in the South since the original 1986 report "Shadows in the Sunbelt." Findings indicate that economic change is moving even more rapidly than in 1986. However, although several metropolitan areas have burgeoned and some rural communities have made a successful economic transition, many Southern places…

This report describes activities of the National Council on Disability (NCD) during fiscal year 2001. Activities were focused around NCD's four strategic goals: (1) to enhance the lives of people with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds through the development of policy recommendations; (2) to educate the public and elected officials on…

In the emerging economy, access and control of information and technology will greatly determine individual and national economic accomplishments. Two primary purposes of public schools--transmitting cultural values and providing socially beneficial knowledge--explain the substantial contribution of public education to employment, earnings, and…

A study investigated the impact of declining rural community infrastructure on social, environmental, and economic well-being in Western Australia's central wheatbelt. Questionnaires were completed by 398 residents of the central wheatbelt, on-farm interviews were conducted with 68 respondents, and 4 focus groups were held in area towns.…

This issue of the "Early Childhood Bulletin" explains the developmental and learning implications of play for very young children and outlines ways in which assistive technology can open doors to play for children with disabilities. The importance of incorporating assistive technology into a child's early intervention program through the…

A study investigated the impact of training on women's micro-enterprise development in four programs in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Sudan. Research design was a series of case studies of projects and programs providing training in technical or business skills. Impact of training was measured against these four indicators: income, access to and…

This report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights examines federal funding of programs intended to assist Native Americans at the Department of Interior, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Department of Agriculture. The report reveals that…

The sixth Kids Count publication from New Hampshire, this report departs from past work in that, in addition to updating state data on child health and well-being, it looks at that information in relation to data on the New Hampshire economy. Through detailed statistical analysis, the report explains how the status of children in New Hampshire…

On the premise that considering children's point of view when examining the relationship between work and family can provide crucial information for many fields, this study examined the nature and quality of living conditions and the competence of 9- to 12-year-olds. Participating in the questionnaire study was a representative random sample of…

Young people growing up in rural and isolated areas of Australia face particular challenges because structural change to the rural economy has dramatically affected their communities. Structural challenges include limited transportation, health and community services that are difficult to access and not confidential, scarcity of affordable…

Public education was introduced in the United States at the beginning of the 19th century to replace the informal community-based education system that had broken down as a result of immigration and war. At the beginning of the 20th century, as America changed from a largely rural agricultural society to the modern industrial economy, education…

Traces the convoluted alliances and diplomatic blundering that resulted in World War I. Places a large degree of the blame on Kaiser Wilhelm II who almost singlehandedly dismantled or ruptured the alliances and treaties of imperial chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Includes photos, paintings, and diary entries. (MJP)

Two societal changes that are increasing the need to promote physically active lifestyles are the impact of new technology on work and leisure time, and the aging of the population. The paper makes recommendations for enhancing health and physical performance for all individuals. (SM)