Challenges common conceptions about disadvantaged learners, curriculum challenge and sequence, teacher role, the relationship of classroom management to academic work, and ability grouping arrangements. By striking a balance between teacher direction and learner responsibility, students' capacity for self-regulated learning increases over time.…

A framework for evaluation of computer technology innovation in schools is described. The framework draws on theory and research concerning student learning, innovations, technology, and new evaluation approaches. A formative evaluation framework used at two elementary schools largely serving disadvantaged, minority students provides an…

While homelessness results from a variety of factors, ultimately its cause is an insufficient supply of suitable housing. The Federal government must massively intervene to halt the loss of additional low-income housing units, and benefits paid to the welfare-dependent population must approximately double. (MW)

Estimates effects of neighbor and family characteristics on likelihood students will complete their schooling using national-level data from Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Data indicate racial composition of a neighborhood affects black but not white children. Family-level characteristics such as maternal education and family income were…

Presents a study of the popular documentation and communication centers in Brazil which have developed to preserve the history of the struggles of the lower classes and to act as popular information services that fill information needs not met by traditional libraries. Social, economic, and political issues in Brazil are outlined. (Contains 10…

Offers three case studies of the attitudes toward their children's education of mothers who dropped out themselves. These studies show the parents had high hopes for their children despite their own histories and reveal how asymmetrical power arrangements between schools and low-income parents can exacerbate the estrangement between the two. (GR)

Discusses the use of graphing calculators by middle school students in an enrichment program for economically disadvantaged students and describes exercises to help students develop an understanding of variables and functions. (MKR)

To distinguish the homeless from the housed poor, 144 adults were randomly sampled from several sites and classified into 3 groups: the currently homeless, the previously homeless, and the never-homeless poor. The homeless group was less likely to be receiving public benefits and more likely to experience substance abuse and violence. (RJM)

The Card Connection: Business for Children project gives East Harlem elementary school children an understanding of economics. This greeting card business teaches math and communication skills, interview techniques, basic economics concepts, and salesmanship. Requirements include a minimal initial investment for materials and supplies, an…

Focuses on the plight of children living in poverty in the United States, and introduces a partial solution via integrated comprehensive school-linked services. The author describes why school-linked comprehensive services are needed, reveals the diminishing political commitment in addressing the problem, and explains how American Educational…

Evaluates the extent to which differences in the economic well-being of Latino and non-Latino white children reside in divergent parental work patterns and/or family living arrangement. Results indicate that group differences in family structure undermine efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic inequalities in children's economic well-being. (RJM)

Explores the problem of urban violence, and discusses a research strategy that can help to explain this phenomenon. The author contends that research might best address violence if it was designed to include variables of poverty and racism and was more inclusive of research from a broader range of scientific disciplines. (GR)

Examines changes in parental participation over a 2-year period in 10 accelerated Louisiana schools. At first, parents were unwelcome in nine of these schools. The most fundamental factor was changing teacher and administrator attitudes toward parents of poor children, which fostered the emergence of a more meaningful parent role. (13 references)…

Presents the "Strengths of Black Families" of R. B. Hill (1972) as a paradigm for understanding family behavior. Introduces the practice approach to these strengths in the work of E. Hall and G. King (1982) that is effective for developing family intervention strategies related to social and economic problems. (SLD)

Study examined why one school district required some children to take two years to reach first grade. Staff interviews, classroom observations, and demographic analysis indicated extra-yearing was implemented by a small, powerful few. More poor and fall-born children were placed in the program, which did not affect student achievement. (SM)