Describes a comprehensive program developed on the basis that children can succeed academically when given appropriate resources and support early in life. Describes the philosophy and major elements of the program and reviews major findings from cross-site and longitudinal evaluations. Highlights recent research on factors regarding program…

This study of 41 children (ages 7 and 8) studied the effects of low socioeconomic status (SES) and chronic otitis media (OM) on speech perception and phonemic awareness. Findings indicated the children with low SES did poorly on both kinds of tasks whether or not they had chronic OM. (CR)

Explored same-race practice through study of practitioners' perceptions, expectations, and service recommendations for troubled youths along racial, gender, and age dimensions. Found that social workers' expectations of outcomes and recommendations for services differed based on their perception of the youth and their own sex and race.(MOK)

This study examined effects of a summer reading instruction program as part of an 8-week summer day camp experience for 61 disadvantaged first grade children. Two hours of direct explicit reading instruction daily were supplemented with a literacy-rich camping experience. Post-tests indicated the experimental group not only obviated usual summer…

Analyzed national data (the Schools and Staffing Survey of the National Center for Education Statistics) on teachers' entrance examination scores and college selectivity. Findings show substantial disparities by school poverty level and draw attention to the gap in academic skills among teachers in different settings. (SLD)

Discusses class-based, or economic, affirmative action, touted by the Bush administration as a race-neutral alternative to race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions. Explores whether such policies will result in fewer minority admissions and considers the "fairness" of the approach. (SLD)

Examines occupational and educational aspirations and expectations of 13-year olds as influenced by local opportunity structures. It is argued that differences in aspirations and expectations are largely explained by the socioeconomic location of families rather than by the structure of the local labor market. (FC)

Describes the first-year implementation of an inclusive education model for students with learning disabilities in an urban elementary school in which the student population is primarily African American and poor. Presents the program's activities and constraints along with case studies discussing the outcomes of two children. (Author/CR)

The communist regime in Romania destroyed civil society by breeding suspicion and distrust. Viata, an adventure education program in a depressed coal mining region, assists social redevelopment by providing youth with free, positive experiences of self-efficacy and interconnectedness within the larger web of community. (TD)

Reports longitudinal findings from a study of 20 children who had attended prekindergarten 17 years before. The study was designed to discern the relationship of learning experiences to later life events of students and parents. Qualitative analysis showed differences in student achievement after prekindergarten years. Both parents and students…

Investigates levels and patterns of intellectual development of 131 socioeconomically disadvantaged children in university-based intervention group day care or community day care, or with little or no day care. Results suggest that high quality day care may positively change the intellectual development of socioeconomically disadvantaged children.…

Describes a project designed to bring books and services to children unlikely to go to public libraries. A library system of seven child care centers was involved. Included are nine sample activity kit cards, a list of 41 readings for child caregivers, and 26 folktales for children four-five. (RJC)

In poor, urban schools, so much time is spent controlling and disciplining children to obey authority (or to learn the hidden curriculum), that scant time is left for "real" teaching and learning. This article shows how school culture (conditions, norms, relationships, and structures) can be changed to educate all children adequately. Includes 10…

Considers the research in addressing how society should reasonably invest in the treatment of violent juvenile offenders. The authors first examine the problems of evaluating interventions with violent youth, then explore various intervention options. The use of multisystemic therapy is offered as a cost-effective program for reducing juvenile…

Examined the cognitive development of 79 surviving high-risk, low birth weight children at 1, 2, and 3.6 years. Found that children at high biological risk were able to catch up on their cognitive delay in highly stimulating home environments; those at both low and high biological risk in less stimulating home environments showed a decline in…