Examines the use of Puerto Rican natural support systems in collaborative ventures with schools and other systems. Presents results from 24 Puerto Rican families with children in a local elementary school. Discusses the implications for a developmental approach for school involvement with natural support systems in an urban environment. (GR)

In this analysis, socioeconomic barriers to talent development are explored from the vantage points of major thinkers and recent research findings in context-sensitive disciplines such as economics, sociology, and ethical philosophy. Insights drawn from these perspectives provide the basis for recommendations for educators of the gifted. (Contains…

Evaluated applicability of family stress model of economic hardship for understanding economic influences on child development among African American families with a 10- or 11-year-old child. Found that economic hardship positively related to economic pressure in families, and to emotional distress of caregivers, which in turn damaged the…

A school-district audit in Florida highlights the stellar program and results at Polk County's Inwood Elementary School. Principal Sue Buckner demands that parents, stepparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and neighbors participate in Inwood's success. A sidebar summarizes the audit procedures and findings. (MLF)

Disadvantaged preschool children (N=57) attending a language-enriched day care program with a parent education component were found to use a greater proportion of high-quality topic manipulation skills than did children without language-enriched day care. No significant differences were found for structural complexity, semantic diversity, and…

The following two opposing models of the underclass are critically evaluated: (1) the culturally deficient model, which focuses on culture, family, or welfare; and (2) the opportunity structures in decline model, which focuses on employment, marriage, and community pattern changes. (JS)

This article discusses the reasons for poverty among children in both two-parent working poor families and single-parent families. (Author/YP)

The case for intergenerational programs based on political and moral imperatives is explored. From a political standpoint, organizations for the aging can benefit by demonstrating commitment to child welfare. From a moral standpoint, the organized aging community should provide leadership and support for general social betterment, advocating…

Examination of 55 socioeconomically disadvantaged children found no significant relationship between otitis media in early childhood and number of common phonological processes or consonants in error used during preschool years. However, otitis media in early childhood was associated with total number of phonological processes used by children…

Examines the financial impact of divorce on children and their families. The preponderance of evidence suggests that women and children experience substantial declines after divorce whereas the relative income of divorced men remains stable or increases. The impact of public assistance is also considered. (SLD)

Tested a conceptual model developed explaining the link between kinship support and the psychological well-being of economically disadvantaged African American families. Found that kinship social support to mothers or female guardians was positively associated with adolescent psychological well-being, maternal well-being, and more adequate…

Describes a multicultural literacy project that has been successfully implemented in three school districts in southeastern Michigan and explains the hypertext materials that enhance it. Highlights include the needs of minority and economically deprived students; examples of screens; and implications of using hypertext materials to support…

Presents responses from local health officers in 237 northeastern and midwestern small to medium-sized cities about their priorities for promoting health through prevention. Improving HIV and AIDS prevention, improving maternal and infant health, reducing sexually transmitted diseases, reducing violence and abusive behavior, and increasing…

Describes two ways in which substance abuse is related to violence: trade in drugs and being under the influence of drugs. The paper argues that reducing the demand for drugs by eliminating the market for them will bring about a reciprocal reduction in substance abuse-related violence. (GR)

Discusses a comprehensive, youth-violence-prevention program in New York City called The Door--A Center of Alternatives. This holistic program addresses the root causes of youth violence such as alienation and lack of empowerment. The Door provides life-skills training and services related to the consequences of poverty, unemployment, low levels…