Discusses the impact of grade repetition on disadvantaged students, questioning why the failing strategy persists. Among the sollutions advocated are preservice teachers must learn to view student diversity favorably; and thoughtful teacher preparation and teacher selection are essential to the process. (SM)

A study of community colleges found that they achieve high levels of participation from underrepresented groups and provide return-to-learning opportunities. However, many developmental studies students drop out. Retention improves when curriculum includes student experience and the educational culture appears to value students. (SK)

The recent history of Puerto Ricans as a community can be tracked by their participation in the rise of the hip hop culture, specifically in rap. The present identity of Latino rap is connected with the original placement of Latinos in rap and affirms the multicultural nature of popular culture. (SLD)

Examines the pattern of lethal violence among adolescent urban youth, and considers theoretical explanations for homicidal violence. Implications for community involvement and intervention are discussed. African Americans and other urban ethnic groups must recognize the violence in their communities and develop a clear and unified strategy to…

Examines the unique challenges faced by the gifted and talented Black man. Reviews issues of identifying gifted African-American male college students and factors affecting retention. Profiles the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland. Outlines seven recommendations that address campuswide attitudes and practices impeding the…

Discusses the Christian "option for the poor," which challenges individuals to offer both direct service to those suffering from economic poverty and indirect service aimed at the transformation of attitudes and structures that perpetuate poverty. Emphasizes Catholic education's role in realizing these goals. (YKH)

At Mary Harrison Primary School (Toledo, Oregon), staff spent months crafting a shared vision statement and restructuring plan based on recommended developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood programs. The school's child-centered program now features multiage classrooms, individualized instruction, cooperative learning, a schoolwide…

Today's school counselors are educated and trained in knowledge- and skill-based programs that emphasize counseling, guidance, consultation, coordination, and referrals. Counselors address three categories of student needs (social/personal, educational, and career) and tackle tough problems that interfere with the learning process.…

A federal judge has struck down the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) freshman-eligibility standards based on standardized college entrance test scores as racially discriminatory. The ruling means that the 577 Division I and II institutions can determine their own eligibility standards, but if the ruling is reversed, some students…

Explored the relationships among technology, reform, and equality through quantitative studies at an elite private school and an impoverished public school. Although reforms appeared similar, underlying differences in resources and expectations reinforced patterns by which the two schools channel students into different futures. (Author/SLD)

A study compared efforts by two rural schools and two urban schools to implement state instructional reforms in South Carolina. Obstacles to rural schools' reform efforts included insufficient human resources to undertake comprehensive reforms and too much familiarity between school and community members, possibly resulting in limited involvement…

A study examined the relationship among school, class, teacher, and student characteristics in Dutch elementary schools. Results of multilevel analysis of data from 7,410 eighth graders and 1,714 teachers in 567 schools found a consistent teaching approach irrelevant to achievement levels. Student socioethnic background seemed most important.…

Assesses effectiveness of three preschool curriculum models by examining the lives of 68 23-year-olds randomly assigned to one such group as economically disadvantaged preschoolers. Young people experienced fewer emotional problems and felony arrests if they had attended a preschool program based on child-initiated learning activities geared to…

Evaluated the effects of a pilot program designed to improve the attendance and academic skills of African-American students at risk. Results with 15 middle school students show improved attendance, fewer suspensions, and better grades in mathematics, English, science, and history. In addition, most participants were promoted to high school. (SLD)

Details a qualitative, descriptive study of three participants in the African American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc., a program matching at-risk African American middle school and high school males with adult mentors. These case studies indicate that caring and supportive behaviors of adults can improve the self-esteem and academic achievement of…