A Nova Scotia high school experiencing racial tensions commissioned an external review. The reviewer focused not on blame and "eradicating the problem," but on a holistic look at all contributing issues, including economic marginalization, inequities in schooling, school culture, school-community relationships, and a willingness to work…

This study examined the relation between young children's social development and maternal employment among women who entered welfare-to-work programs. Structural equation models provided evidence that indicators of economic security, such as food security and job quality indicators, but not recent employment per se, operated through parenting…

The incidence of racial violence and bias crime has increased dramatically in New York City in recent years, the result of a volatile mix of social, political, and economic factors. Worsening racial tensions can be traced to "hypersegregation" and polarization, poverty, homelessness, family breakdown, and failure of the education system.…

Maintains that, as for other families with young children, availability, quality, and cost are important child care issues for families with special needs, including families with single heads of household, families with female heads of household, families in poverty, minority families, and families with handicapped children. (BB)

Presents data on the problems of poor children and youth. Describes the efforts of the Children's Defense Fund to make preventive investment in children and families the cornerstone of domestic policy, and to make decent, affordable child care services available nationwide. (MW)

Discusses the struggles of middle- and lower-class black women to use social programs and affirmative action mandates to advance their status. Examines ways their struggles have affected their self-perceptions and relationships with each other. (Author/JS)

Homelessness is a growing problem in every part of the United States. Federal legislation requires state plans for educating homeless children, but will provide less than $23 per child. Summarizes some of the state plans and suggests steps school boards can take to provide homeless children with public education. (MLF)

With the lowest per capita income in the nation and a higher dropout rate than any other state, Mississippi is struggling to remediate deeply entrenched educational problems. Despite a statewide education reform effort that predated the national movement, educators are finding a century of poverty and illiteracy difficult to reverse. (AF)

Discusses the basic economic changes and previous conservative policies that have resulted in the increase of homelessness and the decrease in the supply of affordable housing. Argues that the solution to homelessness lies with federally funded, nonprofit housing in various forms. (FMW)

Demystifies ideas surrounding U.S. foreign aid to the underdeveloped countries of the world and dispels many commonly held notions concerning the generosity of this foreign aid. Advocates revising U.S. aid programs along the lines of the proposed Global Poverty Reduction Act. (KO)

When funding youth programs in developing countries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) should consider programs that recognize both the developmental needs of children and socioeconomic factors, that serve youth directly or work indirectly through family and community, and that have proven strategies for stretching limited funding.…

Describes the goals of Metro Catholic Parish School, in Cleveland, Ohio, where 69% of the attending families live below the poverty level. Discusses the importance of the urban setting to the total educational ministry of the church. Argues that urban education should be a more intentional focus of the church. (KP)

A major finding from interviews with 25 New York City (New York) poverty-area urban elementary school principals is that they cannot adequately educate children without services to deal with the emotional distress experienced by many students. Teachers need the help and support of trained professionals. (SLD)

Maintains that the process of national degradation is a real danger and concern of all Russian society. Discusses environmental concerns, such as water, soil, and air pollution; falling birth rates; aging of the population; crime; and decline in moral values. Concludes that it is imperative for all citizens to stop and reverse these trends. (CFR)

Explains the need for family literacy programs in Illinois and describes efforts to improve adult and child literacy. Topics discussed include poverty; reading, writing, and computing instruction; interaction between parents and children; families and books; partnerships between state agencies, private organizations, and public libraries; and…