Examines relationship between family support and health of children. Reviews the impact of the decline in structural support for child rearing, examines the health effects of support provided in home visitation programs, and considers the health and welfare effects of the provision of day care services for children. Emphasizes results of…

Examines the role of early-education research in addressing issues of educational disadvantage and inequality, particularly in light of 1990s politics, which emphasizes the marketplace metaphor. Discusses the culture of achievement and failure, effects of disadvantaged background on young children's understanding of the learning task, teacher…

A 3-year study in Toronto (Ontario) schools examined educational practices that engender exclusion or inclusion, especially of racially marginalized groups. Findings suggest that an inclusive learning environment introduces topics of race, critically examines cultural stereotypes, has high expectations for minority students, encourages…

Clarifies the concept of universal basic education. Highlights the need for performance criteria and ways to measure literacy attainment. Identifies issues related to improving primary education, seeing adult literacy as its necessary complement. Underscores the substantial resources required to achieve universal basic education. (CH)

This case study examines the perspectives and practice of elementary mathematics teaching of a second grade teacher (Cathy Swift) in a large, socioeconomically disadvantaged California community as she attempts to implement California's Mathematics Curriculum Framework. This teacher's beliefs/knowledge and policy influences often conflicted. (TJH)

Describes a program in which students earn high school credits using a high tech/high touch classroom and learning basic skills and having successful learning experiences. Discusses the groundwork of the program, credit towards graduation, staffing, funding, student selection, and establishing the system. Students have a high return rate. (MVL)

Discusses methods for using computers to help reduce the drop-out rate. Describes several different programs. Indicates that restructuring the school, early intervention, and parent involvement are key factors towards success. (MVL)

Examines the history and importance of parent involvement in schools. Explores ways that urban schools can increase the participation of poor and minority parents. Suggests that schools might develop wider community partnerships. (FMW)

More important than issues of funding equity are questions of how poor school districts can improve student achievement using new resources. The article discusses how schools can increase achievement following funding equalization, examining the nature of funding inequity, making a difference with funding equity, and effective programs for…

A college professor and former professional football player, a university athletics director, and a sports sociologist offer their perspectives on the role of college sports in providing disadvantaged students with access to higher education. Issues discussed include the history of race and professional sports, colleges' responsibilities to…

Discusses the inequalities and hidden curriculum of public education and the role that the Montessori approach can play in revolutionizing educational assumptions, values, and conventions as it expands in the public sector. Suggests that Montessori models for self-discipline, meaningful work, choice, respect, and holistic psychology provide a…

New Trier High School in Winnetka (Illinois) and DuSable High School in Chicago illustrate the gross inequities in the state's public education system. Wealthy New Trier is able to spend twice as much per student in an environment that is already advantaged in every respect, from teacher salaries to courses offered. (SLD)

Summarizes problems and concerns expressed in this special issue devoted to child poverty. Examines child poverty under the broader context of wealth and power, presenting it in a historical perspective. Suggests that children raised in poverty experience more than the simple stress and strains of living on the margins. Discusses current problems…

Examines the relationship between government programs and individuals within the family context, describing past and present efforts of the federal government toward integrated services. Emphasis is on initiatives of the Department of Health and Human Services. Current shifts in primary responsibility are translated into increasing state and local…

Investigates the relative frequency with which U.S. subjects with a non-English first language use English vis-a-vis their other non-English languages. Data from the 1976 Survey of Income and Education (over 150,000 households) indicate that societal pressure and demographic constraints on interactions in non-English languages influence language…