Two methods for constructing differentiated school norms and computing percentile ranks for school mean achievement accounting for demographic background factors are illustrated. These methods, which account for socioeconomic conditions that are beyond the control of the school, are applied to two large samples of schools (n=1,573 and n=797,…

Analysis of the needs of a group of Indo-Canadian women learning literacy in Vancouver suggests that the language of instruction should be based on literate language use, the status of minority and majority languages, gender roles, perceived needs, literacy and second-language proficiency, socioeconomic stability, and program supports. (Author/CB)

Reviews the extension of affirmative action beyond the population descended from slaves to women. The so-called feminization of poverty is often cited to justify employment enhancement policies for women. Differences between racial and gender groups make some of the principal justifications less applicable to women. (SLD)

Argues that the ultimate goal of multicultural education is equity among individuals regardless of race, gender, physical limitations, or economic status. This position is developed through consideration of (1) equity; (2) the school-society relationship; (3) the concept of multicultural education; (4) barriers to equity; and (5) implications for…

Children eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) were found to have substantially higher mortality rates than non-AFDC children, based on data from 3,679 child death certificates. The disparity appears greater for whites than non-whites. Results suggest social class differentials in health care and risks. (SLD)

Studies the ecological association of infant mortality rate (IM) with per capita income (PI) and prevalence of adult illiteracy (AI) using 103 countries as units of analysis. The association of IM and PI shows slight, but nonsignificant improvement, between 1960 and 1982. AI remains a good predictor of IM. (SLD)

Play-skills training, provided to eight Zambian elementary children with intellectual disabilities, resulted in more substantial increases in interaction between subjects and nondisabled children when coupled with teacher prompts, compared to training alone. Having a nondisabled child take the initiator role increased and maintained social…

Presents a study of the impact of educational expansion on the equality of educational opportunity for men and women in Taiwan in the past 45 years. Finds that, although the average level of educational attainment increased, severe limitations on women's access to education remained. (CFR)

This study examined the amount of variance explained by alignment of testing to instruction among low socioeconomic level fourth graders, proposing two instructional alignment hypotheses. Results indicated that alignment had an unusually high effect. Low performing low socioeconomic level students achieved high success levels when conditions of…

Researchers believe an ecological perspective that considers multiple factors as impacting delinquent behavior is important, and early intervention can effectively reduce delinquency. Four studies have shown reduced delinquency in children receiving early intervention services. The article examines several perspectives and suggests children must…

Discussion of distance education in China focuses on the development of a satellite television-based multimedia education system. The link between education and socioeconomic progress is discussed; the need for teacher training is described; the use of distance education for professional, vocational, and continuing education is explained; and…

Studied the impact of life experience on women's cognitive and ethical development. Considered the structure and historical and social factors of such development, and the importance of higher education in attaining high positions on W.G. Perry's developmental scale. Factors found to affect women's positions on the scale were attitudes toward…

Describes a study which was conducted to test the ability of four motivators to explain adult use of the public library: (1) home and family life; (2) vocational growth; (3) religion; and (4) politics. Other general user characteristics were examined as supplements to the four motivators in predicting library use. (16 references) (LRW)

Emphasizes the importance of developing an Aboriginal form of education by Aboriginal teachers. Expresses concern that the western bureaucratic educational system will not permit a suitable Aboriginal system to develop. Describes the Deakin-Batchelor Teacher Education Program as an example of action research in Aboriginal teacher education.…

Used longitudinal data from a sample of African-American children of teenaged mothers in the Baltimore, Maryland, area to examine determinants of functional literacy in adulthood. Found that preschool cognitive and behavioral functioning predicted literacy in young adulthood. Family environmental factors that predicted literacy in young adulthood…