Inner-city schools are currently as separate and unequal as they have ever been. School reform has failed to address the dual system, and it will remain ineffective as long as an unequal and racially divided system operates. Suggestions are given for turning rhetoric to action. (SLD)

The author of EC 604 296 explains the evolution of a pilot project to improve the basic skills and thinking ability of gifted minority children to improve their performance on standardized tests. The paper reviews the effects of the project and notes changes recommended in repeating the program. (JDD)

Argues against the Bush administration's school choice proposal from historical and sociocultural perspectives. The Bush approach to education reform espouses educational excellence without addressing needs of children who are at risk of school failure. Equity for minority groups has never occurred as a by-product of a focus on excellence. (SLD)

Minority participation in the workforce, and by extension in vocational education, is increasingly important to the economic welfare of the United States. Describes a conference focusing on minority issues and concerns in vocational education related to programs, students, staff, and research. Recommends development of role models, funding, and…

Discusses ways that media and technology facilitate learning. Considers cognitive, motivational, and social needs of at-risk students; underlying causes of school failure; ways technology might improve at-risk students' learning; how technology might facilitate school restructuring; and ways schools must be restructured to increase the effective…

Argues that the remedial reading and study skills approach to retention courses for minority students is seriously flawed and often consists of no more than offering good advice. Accurately assessing student work in an atmosphere that validates cultural pluralism will best support student efforts and affirm their worth. (SLD)

Examines the impact of children's attendance at preschool on teaching and learning in 77 low-income Hawaiian families' homes. Data from the families (18 participating in a year-long series of interviews) illustrate the development of 2 parental scripts, 1 for skills used in the home, and 1 for preparation for school. (SLD)

Six Black men in their midtwenties, all from inner-city school, expressed their feelings about what it means to be a Black man and their views of family. Participants had taken varying steps toward overcoming negative self-images but still had many obstacles to overcome. (SLD)

Growth of reading vocabulary from first through fourth grade was determined for 288 elementary school students (initial sample 756) from urban and rural disadvantaged schools and a suburban mainstream school. Results show great vocabulary increases and suggest some reasons and remedies for the gap between mainstream and disadvantaged schools. (SLD)

Discusses ways for early childhood professionals to meet the objectives contained in the first of the National Education Goals for the Year 2000: the goal concerning readiness for school. (BB)

Discusses (1) the function of preschool education; (2) target populations served by early childhood education; (3) the kinds of programs that are most appropriate for these populations; (4) the issue of whether preschool makes a difference; and (5) the kinds of practices that make a difference in particular areas of development and for particular…

What is known about proprietary schools and their effects on wages and earnings is summarized, with particular attention to aid to proprietary school students and student characteristics. Overall, findings provide little support for proprietary schools. One implication is that assumptions necessary for student loans are not met. (SLD)

African-American students are beginning to make significant educational strides as measured by tests like the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Stereotypes of race and racism in the United States are exploding, and African Americans must continue to demand universal quality education. The role of Howard University in making this happen is explored. (SLD)

This interview with Elsie Vartanian, Director of the Women's Bureau of the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, reviews the impact of economic and technological changes on women in the workplace, and examines major challenges these changes present. The role of the Women's Bureau in promoting and improving employment…

Comments on "The Timing of a First Birth and High School Completion" (Dawn M. Upchurch and James McCarthy) (1990). In considering relationships between adolescent childbearing and completion of high school, Upchurch and McCarthy misinterpret socioeconomic data. Their conclusion that young mothers are no less likely to graduate from high school is…