Describes a case study of 12 elementary schools (emphasizing 2 schools) affected by the Chicago School Reform Act, focusing on local contexts and features of school communities that advance or impede change. Results demonstrate the importance of neighborhood contexts and school leadership and the complexities of applying technical expertise. (SLD)

Although youth apprenticeship models appear to have great potential, the following problems must be addressed before the strategy can succeed: (1) securing employer involvement; (2) assuring and improving the quality of on-the-job learning; and (3) confronting equity issues in public policy in incorporating work into the core educational system.…

Studies reasons undereducated adults decide not to participate in adult education with 12 female and 8 male (18 African American and 2 white) adults interviewed in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). Memories of early schooling were a powerful factor affecting the decision. Adult education methodology can benefit greatly from research into early schooling.…

Introduces background issues regarding the education of homeless children in urban areas, focusing on problems of definition and identification and sociological factors related to homelessness. An overview is provided of the articles of the special issue. The challenges are how to meet the needs of an amorphous and troubled population. (SLD)

Presents the case study of a transitional school for homeless children that specifically targets their educational needs through an interagency attempt to serve poor families and children in an inner-city setting in Charlotte (North Carolina). Findings and recommendations based on this interagency approach are discussed. (SLD)

Service fragmentation is a major problem in children's services. The articles of this special issue focus on school-linked integrated services. Issues to be explored in promoting such services are those of (1) funding; (2) space; (3) confidentiality; (4) staff training; and (5) governance. (SLD)

Describes organizational conditions and social processes related to family-school interactions that are necessary to promote school-linked social service systems. Case studies of two elementary schools with students of low socioeconomic status are used to compare school policies and procedures. Policy proposals are presented for expanding and…

Examines the present turmoil in disadvantaged communities, arguing that many urban problems result from historic mistreatment of slum dwellers, especially non-whites. Disproportionate representation of young African-American males in prison and the justice system does not occur by chance. As unequal access to opportunity continues, the underclass…

Describes integrated learning systems (ILSs) and discusses issues facing school administrators when supervising teachers who are using these systems. Topics discussed include ILS impact on student achievement; use by regular as well as disadvantaged students; curriculum integration; research on varied-ability students; software development and…

This interview with Billy Tidwell, Director of Research at the National Urban League, discusses contemporary issues in education, training, and urban development, beginning with an overview of educational reform. Minority education and the role of the National Urban League are considered in light of social problems that affect the ability to learn…

This study examined retention in grades K-8 using data from the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study. Male, minority, and lower socioeconomic status (SES) students were more likely to be retained. Retention related to less optimal academic and personal-social outcomes, particularly for female, white, and higher SES students. (SM)

The S.M.I.L.E. (Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences) Program is a partnership between Oregon State University and eight rural Oregon school districts to provide science and math opportunities for disadvantaged students. Students in this program work on a problem that involves them in a real-world environmental issue. Describes an…

Describes a qualitative research project examining homelessness's effects on children's schooling, highlighting a South Carolina intervention program's success. Research disclosed an informal homelessness "caste system," the political unpopularity of providing homeless services, homeless kids' high rates of academic failure and problem…

Evaluation of a collaborative service delivery model involving a speech-language pathologist and regular teachers of two inner city primary grade classrooms found that, in comparison to standard practice control classrooms, experimental students showed superior gains in receptive vocabulary, expressive vocabulary, beginning sound awareness, and…

A response-to-intervention model (RTI) has been identified as a promising way to identify and intervene early with children who are experiencing learning difficulties. The general RTI approach also holds promise of preventing learning difficulties with preschoolers. This article examines the potential benefits of implementing a RTI model in…