Studies of urban student performance in mathematics and science are reviewed in order to identify factors and processes that might improve student achievement. The first part of this review describes the urban context for education reform, beginning with a description of the demographic characteristics of urban students. The resource context is…

A hearing was held on H.R. 4086, the Youth Development Block Grant of 1993, a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Constance A. Morella (Maryland) and Donald M. Payne (New Jersey). The purpose of the initiative was to expand community-based youth development programs for youth aged 6 to 19 years. The bill was supported by the National…

The purpose of "Teach for America," a program modeled after the Peace Corps, was to recruit a cadre of bright college graduates to become uncertified teachers for two years in some of America's toughest schools. This book tracks the successes and failures of the program in its first year and presents the stories of seven idealistic corps…

This report presents an analysis of graduation rates for the New York City public high schools for recent years. The analysis is based on cohort data published by the City Board of Education. Preoccupation with the dropout rate may obscure the more important fact that the graduation rate has not improved. The proportion of New York City public…

Two things in particular could change the status of students of color in our elementary and secondary education system and make improved academic achievement possible. One is providing role models that students can relate to in the classrooms, and the other is getting families involved in their children's education. A study on family life and…

This report describes the activities of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation for the 1993 fiscal year. Organized in 1950, the foundation's grant activities focus on five areas: children, disadvantaged youth, homeless families, justice, and tropical disease research. The report provides: (1) a brief history of the foundation and its activities; (2)…

This study was designed to address two related issues: (1) Why are Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians underrepresented in science and mathematics-related fields, and (2) Why do students of these minority groups have lower achievement test scores in science and mathematics than other students? Data on a number of home, school, and student…

An overview is provided of Colorado's participation in Chapter 1, the largest federally funded program designed to provide services to elementary and secondary students. Chapter 1 provides financial assistance to state and local education agencies to meet the special needs of educationally deprived children who reside in areas with high…

The relationship between locus of control and academic achievement was studied for 42 adolescent black males identified as at-risk by their teachers. The Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control scale (NS-LOC) for children was used as a measure of locus of control. School grade average and the Stanford Achievement Test (SFAT) battery composite provided…

This testimony of the President of Public/Private Ventures (PPV) in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) is on the subject of designing effective youth services programs, particularly in light of the PPV's experience with its program, Summer Training and Education Program (STEP). Following a description of the background for this and similar programs, the…

A study was done to examine the reasons why Puerto Rican youth from the Holyoke (Massachusetts) Public School System drop out of high school and the effect of dropping out of school on the Latino community. The study was conducted using data provided by the Holyoke School Department and drawn from Students' cumulative folders and school district…

This study collected data on 112 disadvantaged preschoolers in central Indiana to determine predictors of preacademic competence at the end of the Head Start year. Parents were interviewed to assess home educational environment, parenting dimensions, and daily stress factors. Teacher ratings of children's behavior, social skills, and competence in…

Sponsored by the Ounce of Prevention Fund, this report presents a comprehensive look at three Toward Teen Health high school-based, adolescent health centers in Chicago, Illinois. Following a brief introduction, the report provides the rationale for opening adolescent health centers and outlines the principles that guide the centers. Next, a…

This publication evaluates The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation school-based health care centers for medically underserved populations. On-site visits and interviews with staff provided data on the experiences of 24 secondary school-based health centers from their design phase through full-scale operation. The report reviews issues that affect all…

This document is intended to be a guide for action for people concerned about the youths who live alone on the streets of America without the nurturing, protection, and supervision of caring adults. It describes the varied activities, knowledge, and skills and outreach program needs to provide services to these youth who are living on the streets.…