Presents findings of a study that examined the impact of a model urban library system in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) on children's literacy development, particularly for poor, minority families, and its relation to reading achievement. It is concluded that libraries are vital for children's achievement and developing informational needs. (MES)

Data on 3,449 children (ages 0-3) indicate children at risk because of low income, minority status, or lack of insurance were 3 to 12 times more likely to be without a usual source of care and 2 to 30 times more likely to have unmet needs for health care. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Analyzes UNESCO's policy initiatives over the past 50 years in recognition of International Literacy Year (1990). Targets adult education, functional literacy, and lifelong learning as policy initiative milestones. Stresses the intrinsic value of literacy and universal access to education. Observes that the egalitarian distribution of knowledge…

Analyzes results of a study that investigated the efficiency of computer-based instruction (CBI) for teaching remedial skills in reading and mathematics to educationally disadvantaged students in grades 3 through 10. Test results from Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) and Metropolitan Achievement Tests (MAT) are compared, and further research is…

Discusses Black on Black crime and provides evidence that it is directly linked to American societal problems. Covers the following historical and societal influences: (1) the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow; (2) Black migration and disorder in cities; (3) the use of alcohol and drugs; and (4) policing of the Black ghetto. (JS)

Occupationally specific vocational training pays off for disadvantaged students, but only if graduates work in the jobs for which they were trained. The implication is that vocational educators must help make sure that the skills they teach are used. (JOW)

Examines the role of distance education in national and international development. Target populations are described, including the disadvantaged and adults; courses offered are discussed, including professional and vocational training, and rural development and community education; cost factors are reviewed; and the role of the state is examined.…

Discussion of the needs of the public education system focuses on changes in public schools in Texas. Topics discussed include economic conditions; manufacturing and educational status of foreign countries; educational administration; educational finances; cultural and economic minority students; early childhood development centers; and…

Minority language students can be successfully taught to write through programs that validate the students' experiences and cultural heritage. Adopting an approach developed by Eliot Wiggington in the Foxfire project, a California educator teaches his Chicano students English composition by emphasizing the richness of family and community folklore…

Reports on two studies designed to prove three hypotheses: (1) five-year-olds can successfully learn a second language (L2); (2) early L2 learning has a positive effect on the development of children's cognitive and first language linguistic abilities; and (3) early L2 learning assists socio-economically disadvantaged children in overcoming…

Requests for federal aid from the Department of Education and other agencies are tabulated by category and are compared with actual fiscal 1988 budgets and estimated fiscal 1989 figures. (MSE)

Discusses the development and uses of various aptitude tests in higher education from the 1920s through the early 1960s. Although seen as a gateway to educational attainment for returning World War II veterans, intelligence testing faced criticism in the early 1960s as a restrictive practice. (MJP)

Explains the incidence and nature of drug trafficking and chemical dependency among adolescent black males. The paper also discusses the social science theories of Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Molefi Asante to better understand the behaviors, and the consequences of those behaviors, of young black males who participate in drug trafficking. (GR)

Presents strategies for improving student academic achievement and U.S. school productivity. Among the strategies are the following: making student achievement a priority goal for schools, enhancing and toughening the curriculum, managing all educational resources at the school and classroom levels, providing a variety of system incentives towards…

This paper reviews current practices in urban school districts, concluding that for inner-city children, special education referral, evaluation, and placement practices are not more effective now than 25 years ago. The characteristics and needs of inner-city special education youngsters and the difficult options facing school administrators are…